Penne Pecorino Food

PENNE CARBONARA WITH FAVA BEANS, PEAS, AND PECORINO

Steps:

• The fava beans need to be blanched to make it easier to remove their skins; in a large pot, bring 6 cups water to a boil.
• Add fava beans and blanch for about a minute, then use a slotted spoon to remove them to a cold water bath and slip off their skins; return water to a boil.
• Now drop in the pasta with 1 tablespoon salt, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, according to package directions.
• Two minutes before pasta is done, drop in the fava beans and peas.
• Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the egg yolks, cheese, and a little salt and pepper; set aside.
• Once the pasta is al dente, drain, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid; return pasta and vegetables to the pot, add butter and stir.
• Add egg mixture and chives, toss gently, and add a little cooking liquid (a tablespoon at a time) to form a silky sauce that clings to the pasta; adjust seasonings and serve with cheese for grating.

PENNE CARBONARA WITH FAVA BEANS, PEAS AND PECORINO

Steps:

• First, find a willing assistant to help peel the favas. Bring 6 cups water to a boil in a large pot. Add the peeled favas and blanch for about 1 minute, then scoop them out (reserving the water) and put them into a bowl of cold water. Drain and slip them out of their whitish skins to reveal the emerald-green bean.
• Bring the water back to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon salt and the penne, stirring occasionally to keep it from sticking. Meanwhile, in a small bowl mix together the egg yolks, pecorino and a little salt and pepper.
• When the pasta is almost done (about 2 minutes less than the time suggested on the package), add the favas and peas to the pot. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, until the pasta is al dente.
• Reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water. Drain the penne and vegetables, and return them to the pot. Add the butter and stir well. Add the egg yolk mixture and chives, tossing gently and adding a few tablespoons of the cooking water to form a silky sauce that clings to the penne. Adjust the seasoning, and serve with a wedge of pecorino for grating.

PENNE WITH ROASTED CHERRY TOMATOES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line bottom of casserole dish with cherry tomatoes in a single layer, halved side up. Pour oil on top, season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle cheese and bread crumbs on top. Bake until tomatoes have wilted, about 20 minutes.
• Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Season with enough sea salt so that water tastes mildly of salt. When tomatoes are just about done, add penne to water and cook until al dente (it should be pliable, but still firm in center). Scoop out about a cup of pasta water and reserve. Drain pasta and add to casserole. Fold tomatoes and pasta together, adding another 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil, to coat. Taste and adjust seasoning. If it is dry, add a little reserved pasta water. Serve, passing more grated cheese at the table.