Runner Bean Prosciutto Pasta Recipes

WHITE BEANS WITH CABBAGE, PASTA, AND PROSCIUTTO

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt it. Add the cabbage, bring back to a boil and cook until just tender, about 3 minutes; use a slotted spoon or small strainer to fish it out. Drain, and let sit. (You can shock it in a bowl of ice water to keep it on the crisp side but I prefer it soft.) When the water returns to a boil, add the pasta and cook until tender but firm; start checking after 7 minutes. Drain, reserving at least 1 cup of the cooking liquid.
• Return the pot to medium heat (no need to rinse it) and add the oil. When it is hot, add the leeks, celery and a heavy pinch of salt and cook, stirring occasionally until soft, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the thyme and prosciutto and stir until fragrant, just a minute or 2.
• Add the cabbage, beans and pasta. Add 1 cup of the reserved pasta or bean cooking liquid and cook, stirring once in a while, until the flavors blend and everything is hot, about 5 minutes more. If the mixture dries out, add a little liquid; it should be saucy but not soupy.
• Sprinkle with the cheese and toss to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Serve, passing more cheese at the table.

RUNNER BEAN & PROSCIUTTO PASTA

Steps:

• Cook the tagliatelle in a large pan of boiling, salted water according to pack instructions. Four mins before the end of the cooking time, add the runner beans.
• Meanwhile, cut each slice of prosciutto into 5-6 pieces. Heat the oil in a frying pan, add the ham, then fry quickly until crisp. Drain the pasta and return to the pan with the crème fraîche, prosciutto, pan juices and plenty of black pepper, tossing everything together until the pasta is well coated.