Basil Orecchiette Pasta
If you are wondering how to pronounce orecchiette - Oh-reck-ee-ET-tay. Even I had to struggle with the correct tone and pronunciation. Google is always there to help us.The interesting part about this pasta dish is the shape of the pasta. The vigour and the directness of the flavours and the comforting chew of the orecchiette make this a heart winning dinner plate.
Servings: 4 people
Equipment
- 1 Boiling pot
- 1 Cast iron pan
Ingredients
- 1 cup orecchiette pasta https://amzn.to/38S3W3v
- Water to boil
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil https://amzn.to/3PTMEDK
- 1 bunch cherry tomatoes
- salt to taste
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar https://amzn.to/3LZAjuj
- 1 tbsp oil
- 4-5 cloves of garlic (minced)
- 1/4th cup parmesan grated https://amzn.to/3z9UDGU
- handful fresh basil
Instructions
- In a pan boil the water and add 1 tbsp of salt. Add the orecchiette pasta and stir it. Let the pasta boil, as per the time mentioned on the pack. Occasionally stir it and make sure not to overcook the pasta.
- Reserve a little pasta water and drain out the rest of the water, once the pasta is cooked.
- In another pan add a little oil and cherry tomatoes. Sprinkle a little salt on them and blister the cherry tomatoes on medium flame. Make sure to swirl the pan, so you get even blistering on the tomatoes.
- Tomatoes will release water and the skins will wrinkle making the flavour more intense. Add in the balsamic vinegar and cook on a low flame for a few seconds more.
- Remove the tomatoes to a bowl. In the same pan add a little oil, followed by chopped garlic. Cook for a few seconds and add in the boiled orecchiette. Cook and stir for a brief time and add in the reserved pasta water. Cook till the water is evaporated and add in the parmesan.
- Mix well so the cheese is coated on to the pasta well. Top with the prepared balsamic cherry tomatoes and fresh basil. Serve hot and enjoy