Sicilian Wild Fennel Pesto Pasta
Sicilian Wild Fennel Pesto by @fratelliburgio : A delightful surprise packed with bold umami compangions from anchovies and sun-dried tomatoes, complemented by the aromatic charm of wild fennel that will win your heart. Versatile and full of possibilities, this pesto transforms any dish into something extraordinary.
For this recipe, we grabbed a bag from our new shipment of @pastarmando and chose the Treccia pasta shape, though any shape will work beautifully. To top it off, we used DOP Pecorino Romano from @cao_formaggi Sardinia, adding a rich, salty finish that perfectly complements the pesto. Inspired by our very own @isabellarosasettels who you can meet at the shop— a beautiful wild soul with a creative and bold spirit, just like this pesto! This dish comes together in minutes and is an absolute joy. Save this recipe for an easy weeknight dinner that will turn into a regular on the menu!
Wild Fennel Pesto Pasta (serves 4)
Ingredients:
- 500g pasta @pastarmando (any shape)
- 1 lemon (thinly sliced)
- 1 fennel bulb (cut into quarters, then thirds)
- Olive oil (for sautéing and finishing)
- 1 cup Pecorino Romano @cao_formaggi (very finely grated, plus extra for garnish)
- Fresh fennel leaves (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-low. Add fennel and sear to golden, then flip and add lemon slices. Sear until caramelized. Remove and set aside, reserving infused oil (leave 1 tbsp in the pan).
2. Boil salted water, cook pasta until al dente, and reserve the pasta water.
3. To the Pecorino Romano add 1 ladle of pasta and stir until smooth.
4. In the hot pan with the reserved oil, add 1 ladle of pasta water and 4 tbsp fennel pesto. Stir, then add cooked pasta and let it cook for a few more minutes. Add more pasta water if needed. Remove from heat, stir in Pecorino Romano mixture, and swirl until evenly coated.
5. Plate pasta, top with fennel and lemon slices, crack some black pepper, shave Pecorino Romano over, garnish with fennel fronds, and drizzle with reserved infused olive oil.
#wildfennel #fennelrecipes #pastarecipes #italianpastalover #amsterdamfoodguide #amsterdamfoodscene
