Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Spaghetti Ubriachi for a Thanksgiving #WeekdaySupper

Spaghetti Ubriachi


Earlier this year, the team at Sunday Supper Movement expanded their reach by introducing #WeekdaySupper. The concept is very similar to my Light Stunt series: quick and easy meals that can be prepared after returning home from a long day at the office. A different member of the Movement publishes a dish each weekday, Monday through Friday.

The Challenge

There are several motivations for this dish. First, I wanted to update a similar dish I profiled in the summer of 2012 with an easier method. Second, these ingredients are staples and it wouldn't be a stretch to already have them on hand especially this week. Third, this is a good way to use leftover wine and finally, I recently accepted the position of moderator within the Sunday Supper team, but hadn't participated in a Weekday event and needed to so I could advise other members, should the need arise.

The Source

Adapted from page 80 of Fabio's Italian Kitchen by Fabio Viviani with Melanie Rehak.

Ingredients

2 quarts water
1 750-mililiter bottle red wine
1 teaspoon sugar
Kosher salt, as needed
1 pound dried spaghetti (Do not use fresh pasta)
1/2 pound pancetta, diced (I substituted bacon)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup shelled walnuts, chopped
Freshly grated parmesan, for garnish
Fresh Italian parsley, chopped for garnish

Method

1. Combine the water, sugar, salt and wine in a large stockpot and bring to a boil over high heat. Drop the pasta and cook until just shy of al dente (normally about 2 to 3 minutes less than the package instructions). Reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid then drain in a colander and set aside.


2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, then add the pancetta to render it's fat. Add the reserved spaghetti with the reserved boiling fluid, 1 tablespoon at a time until the fluid has been absorbed and the pasta is al dente. Remove from heat, then toss with the ricotta and walnuts. Serve in warmed bowls garnished with parmesan and parsley.


Successful?

I probably should point out that spaghetti ubriachi is Italian for drunken spaghetti. Yes, this dish was well balanced in flavor, but then again, it's difficult to screw up wine, cheese, pasta and bacon.

Oh, and please don't forget to check out this week's other WeekdaySupper participants:

Sunday Supper Movement


6 comments:

  1. Cooking pasta in wine = brilliant!! Love it DB!!

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  2. The first time I had this dish was in Firenze on my honeymoon. It was one of the best dishes I had while in Italy. I've been obsessing about this dish for the past few weeks and just yesterday I was searching online for a recipe. This looks great and I will certainly make this soon!

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  3. Whoa DB, this dish has everything good 'n delicious in the world: wine, pasta, pancetta and cheese. It's the perfect dish! I love that it comes together so easily but packs a super flavourful punch.

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  4. Yum, I love the walnuts in this. Actually, I really like all of the flavors! Can't wait to try this.

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