Friday, February 28, 2014

Dorie Greenspan's Beggar's Linguine


Most of the meals I make are not planned. I know, pretty bad huh? Often, I do not make a list to take to the grocery store. Yep, that's right...I pretty much wing it. I might have an idea what I want to do but things can change. That's what so great about this recipe, as almost all the ingredients will come from your pantry. It can be made at the last minute, with no big planning required. This dish is basically pasta with browned butter, dried fruits and nuts and it works, it really works.

This recipe is adapted from the "Around My French Table", by Dorie Greenspan. I followed the recipe very closely except for the amount of butter. I used half and still it was very good. Dorie notes "that this is not a dish that can be reheated, and it's not a pasta that can be served cold, so eat up!

Ingredients:

1 box 14-16 ounces linguine (I used fusilli)
1 1/2 sticks butter (12 tablespoons) (I used half)
1/3 cup shelled pistachios (coarsely chopped)
1/3 cup almonds (coarsely chopped)
8 plump dried mission figs (finely chopped)
1/4 cup golden raisins
1/2 cup Parmesan (grated)
1/2 orange (zest only)
Chives or parsley (minced)


To prepare:

*About 5 minutes before pasta is ready, your going to start the butter sauce. Also use a large pan as you will be adding the pasta to it at the end.*

Cook pasta to your preference or package directions. Drain well.

Melt butter in skillet over medium heat. When the butter is melted and golden, stir in the nuts, figs and raisins. Allow the butter to bubble and boil - you want to cook it to a light brown. When the butter has reached the desired color, add pasta. Season with salt and pepper. With tongs stir noodles around in your saucy mixture. Right before serving incorporate cheese and orange zest.

Remember, before serving, taste and add more salt and pepper if needed to make these flavors really pop.
Cheri Savory Spoon
Cheri Savory Spoon

Mysavoryspoon was first started in 2010 as a way to journal recipes that I had collected from cookbooks, magazines, family and friends. Most everything was savory, using legumes and whole grains. Along the way I discovered a love for baking. Now a couple times a month you might see some type of sweet pie or treat.

17 comments:

  1. I often cook pasta dishes out of the pantry with no planning :)

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  2. Hi Tandy, it's good to have a well stocked pantry.

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  3. Cool pasta! Never seen it with raisins. Thanks for sharing! :) ela

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    1. Hi Ela, The raisins were very good in this, great flavor.

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  4. Planning only happens after I see what I have in my pantry and refrigerator to accompany my pasta. The options are endless.

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  5. What an interesting combination of ingredients for a pasta dish! I bet it works really well tho!

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    1. Hi Helen, yes, it really worked, but I like all those ingredients anyway.

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  6. I'm all for improvising in the kitchen. Actually, some of the best recipes I created are "last minute" improvisations.
    That looks like a fantastic dinner Cheri!

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    1. Hi Mike, your right improvising does produce the best meals sometime.

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  7. My meal planning revolves around what I'm in the mood for. I've seen this recipe in her cookbook and have never made it. Changing that soon.

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    1. Hi Lea Ann, I find myself cooking that way most of the time. Sometimes after seeing a food show I'll completely change what we were going to have.

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  8. I love finding new pasta recipes!! thanks for sharing x

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  9. I've never seen a pasta like this...what a fun mix of dried fruit and nuts! And I'm amazed that you manage to grocery shop at all without a list!

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    1. Hi Joanne, I know it's probably not a good idea. I usually shop every day.

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  10. I love cooking from my pantry! Sometimes the best things happen that way. I never had pasta with figs before - so different in a good way! I bet this is crazy good.

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