PAPPARDELLE WITH PANCETTA AND PEAS

Pappardelle With Pancetta and Peas image

The very notion of buttery noodles and fresh sweet peas is enough to make anyone swoon. As a meal, it is the essence of simplicity. But no one will complain if there is also a whisper of new green garlic, a dab of herby pesto and a dollop of ricotta. Oh, and a touch of lemon zest. Add tender mustard greens and a few bites of pancetta or bacon to round it all out.

Provided by David Tanis

Categories dinner, lunch, pastas, main course

Time 45m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

4 thick slices pancetta or bacon, cut crosswise into 1/4-inch lardons (about 2 ounces)
About 2 tablespoons roughly chopped fresh basil leaves
About 2 tablespoons roughly chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
About 2 tablespoons roughly chopped fresh mint leaves
Extra-virgin olive oil
2 or 3 stalks green garlic shoots, white and tender green parts, finely chopped
4 cups fresh sweet peas, from about 3 pounds in the pod
Salt and pepper
2 cups tender mustard greens, chopped, or substitute whole mizuna or arugula leaves
1 cup fresh ricotta cheese
Zest of 1 small lemon
1 pound best-quality egg pappardelle, dried, or fresh homemade egg pasta cut into wide ribbons
Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Steps:

Set a small saucepan of water over high heat and bring to a boil. Add pancetta and cook for 1 minute, then drain and set aside.
Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil on the back burner, for cooking the pasta.
Meanwhile, put basil, parsley and mint in a mortar or mini food processor and mash to a coarse paste with about 1/4 cup oil. Set aside.
Warm 2 tablespoons olive oil in a wide skillet over medium-high heat. Add green garlic and peas, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Allow garlic and peas to sizzle without browning for about 1 minute. Add reserved pancetta and 1/2 cup water, and bring to a simmer for 1 minute more. Stir in mustard greens to wilt slightly, then add herb paste, ricotta and lemon zest. Turn off the heat
Cook the pasta at a brisk simmer until al dente. Drain and toss gently with ingredients in skillet. Taste and adjust seasoning. Transfer to a warm platter or individual dishes and serve immediately. Pass grated cheese at the table.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 869, UnsaturatedFat 17 grams, Carbohydrate 112 grams, Fat 31 grams, Fiber 13 grams, Protein 37 grams, SaturatedFat 11 grams, Sodium 968 milligrams, Sugar 12 grams, TransFat 0 grams