Digest: Citrus and herb pasta

Digest: Citrus and herb pasta

Pasta can be a platform for showcasing the ingredients of the moment in quick, satisfying way. This simple recipe lends itself to multiple permutation (see below). Any citrus zest can be used, and any dried or fresh herb. And, it can be served over just about any combination of allium and green vegetable. Allow yourself to play and innovate with the ingredients on your counter.

Serves 2

Ingredients

For the veg

  • 2 small leeks (or any allium), rinsed and sliced

  • 2 cups snow peas (or any green veg)

  • 2/3 cup cherry tomato

  • salt to taste

  • oil

  • 2 tsp dry vermouth

    For the pasta

  • 8 oz Chickapea greens penne (or any penne)

  • 1/2 cup cottage cheese

  • 1 tablespoon fresh grated orange (or any citrus) zest

  • 2 tablespoons chopped pineapple sage (or any green herb)

  • salt to taste

  • 1/4 cup reserved pasta water

  • chili flake (optional)

Method

  1. Preheat oven to warm/ 170F. Pull out two low bowls for serving.

  2. In a cold sauté pan, add allium, oil and salt. Adding the allium to the pan cold will infuse the oil with its flavor. Cook until translucent and soft and just starting to brown. Deglaze with the vermouth, add the peas or your green veg until just cooked. Divide into low bowls and allow to warm in oven.

  3. In a bowl, add cottage cheese, and grate in citrus zest. Mix to combine.

  4. In a medium saucepan, bring salty-as-the-sea water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 5 minutes or until a toothy al dente. Rinse and add with 1/4 reserved pasta water or so to cottage cheese. Mix to combine well. Toss in green herb.

  5. Serve pasta over veg and top with cherry tomatoes and chili if using.

Explore permutations— mix, match, and reimagine with what you have available.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

orange zest pineapple sage leek & snow pea

lemon zest thyme onion & zucchini

blood orange zest tarragon garlic & broccolini

grapefruit zest oregano chive & haricot vert

lime zest cilantro spring onion & cucumber

lemon zest basil garlic & kale

tangerine zest mint red onion & chard

tangelo zest summer savory sweet onion & okra

meyer lemon zest rosemary shallot & artichoke hearts