Pasta Gremolata Recipes

PASTA WITH MUSHROOMS AND GREMOLATA

Steps:

• To make the gremolata, place the minced garlic, parsley and lemon zest in a mound and chop them together with a chef's knife. Set aside.
• Begin heating a large pot of water for the pasta. Meanwhile, heat a large, heavy skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of the olive oil, and when it's hot, add the mushrooms. Sear the mushrooms, stirring with a wooden spoon or tossing in the pan, until they are lightly browned and begin to sweat. Add the salt and the white wine and continue to cook, stirring or tossing the mushrooms in the pan, until the wine has just about evaporated and the mushrooms are glazed, about 5 minutes.
• Add the remaining tablespoon of oil and the gremolata and pepper. Cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 more minute. Taste and adjust salt. Keep the mixture warm while you cook the pasta.
• When the water comes to a rolling boil, salt generously and add the pasta. Cook al dente, following the timing instructions on the package. Before draining, remove 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. Add 1/4 cup of it to the mushrooms and stir together.
• Drain the pasta and toss with the mushrooms in a large pasta bowl or in the pan. If it seems dry, add 2 to 4 tablespoons of the reserved cooking water. Serve with Parmesan cheese if desired.

PASTA GREMOLATA

Steps:

• In a bowl combine the parsley, garlic, lemon zest and lemon juice. Stir to combine. Season with salt, pepper and olive oil. (alternatively you can make this in a blender if you prefer)
• Cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• In a large bowl, toss the gremolata with the pasta until well coated. Serve immediately.

PASTA WITH GREEN BEANS AND ALMOND GREMOLATA

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of well-salted water (2 heaping tablespoons kosher salt to about 7 quarts water) to a boil. Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium-low heat, toast the almonds, stirring frequently so they don't burn, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat. In a medium bowl, combine the almonds, celery or parsley leaves, lemon zest, garlic and a pinch of salt. Set aside and wipe out skillet.
• Add pasta to boiling water and cook until it is al dente, according to package directions. About 2 minutes before it's done, add the beans to the pasta pot. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, and drain the pasta and beans.
• While the pasta and beans drain, make the sauce: Heat the olive oil in the large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and red-pepper flakes and cook until the garlic is golden in color, about 1 to 2 minutes. Turn heat to low and add 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water to the skillet (be careful of splattering) and cook until it is reduced by about half, 1 to 2 minutes more. Turn heat to medium and add the pasta, green beans and butter to the skillet and toss until the butter melts. Add the cheese and an additional 1/4 cup water and toss until the cheese is emulsified and the pasta is glossy with sauce. If needed, add an additional 1/4 cup pasta water to loosen. Season with kosher salt, to taste.
• Transfer the pasta to a large bowl, top with gremolata and drizzle with more olive oil. Pass additional grated cheese at the table, if desired.

GREMOLATA PRAWN PASTA

Steps:

• Cook the pasta in a large pan of salted boiling water following pack instructions until al dente.
• Meanwhile, make the gremolata. In a food processor (or by hand), finely chop the garlic with the zest, parsley (include the stalks) and rocket. Season generously, add the oil and lemon juice, and mix to make a juicy paste. Set aside.
• Melt the knob of butter with a small splash of oil in a frying pan, add the prawns and fry quickly on each side. Add the chilli flakes and cook for 1 min or so more until the prawns are cooked.
• Drain the pasta and return to the pan. Add the gremolata and the chilli prawns, toss well to coat and check the seasoning. Divide