FRIED PASTA

Fried Pasta image

Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

Kosher salt
8 ounces bow-tie pasta
About 6 cups vegetable oil, for frying
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup finely grated fresh Parmesan
One 24-ounce jar marinara, heated, for serving

Steps:

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook about a minute less than the recommended cooking time. Drain the pasta and spread it in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Let cool and pat completely dry with paper towels.
Pour about 2 inches of oil into a large Dutch oven and heat over medium heat until a deep-fry thermometer reaches 375 degrees F.
Fry the pasta in 3 batches (about a cup each batch) until golden brown and crispy, 2 to 3 minutes.
Meanwhile, to a mini processor or spice grinder, add the basil, thyme, rosemary, oregano, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, black pepper and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Process until finely ground.
Remove the fried pasta from the oil, drain on paper towels, then sprinkle immediately with some of the seasoning mix. Repeat, working in batches, with the rest of the pasta and seasoning mix.
Put the fried pasta on a serving platter and sprinkle with the Parmesan. Serve alongside the warm marinara for dipping.