Fettuccine with Zucchini Spinach Confit
Serves: 4
Preparation time: 60 min.
Fettuccine con Confit di Zucchine e Spinaci - a tried and trusted recipe, easy to prepare. The zucchinis cooked in confit acquire a rich buttery flavor. Combine them with the spinach, peas and add a touch of cream, pronto, slow food par excellence!
Ingredients:
- 500 gr (about 1 lbs) fettuccine - preferably fresh ones
- 125 ml (1/2 cup) extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves of garlic, finely sliced
- sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 6 medium zucchinis, cut into 2,5 cm (1 inch) thick slices
- 2-3 tbsp. white wine
- 125 gr (1/2 cup) peas (fresh or frozen)
- 500 gr (about 1 lbs) fresh spinach, shredded
- 1 small fresh red chili pepper, seeded and finely sliced in thin slivers
- 125 ml (1/2 cup) crème fraîche or single cream (about 20% fat content)
- 125 gr (1/2 cup) pecorino romano cheese, grated
Preparation:
Place 100 ml olive oil (leave the rest for later) in a heavy-based pan over medium heat. Add the zucchini, garlic, salt and pepper. Cook over high heat for 2 minutes and stir well. Reduce the heat to very low and cook the zucchini until they are golden and soft, about 30 - 40 minutes. Use very low heat and stir occasionally making sure that the zucchini do not brown. When the zucchini are done, falling apart, add the white wine, spinach and the peas. Taste for salt and pepper again. Stir until the spinach is wilted. Add the cream, the remaining 25 ml olive oil and the chili pepper. Cook for another 2 - 3 minutes. Set aside and keep warm.
Cook the pasta until "al dente". Add the zucchini spinach confit and sprinkle with pecorino.