Garlic and Leek Ditalini
Garlic and Leek Ditalini Recipe - Authentic Italian Vegetarian Dish
Introduction
Garlic and Leek Ditalini is a creamy and flavorful pasta dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. The combination of garlic, leeks, and creamy sauce makes this dish a comforting and satisfying meal.
History
This recipe is a modern twist on traditional Italian pasta dishes. The use of leeks adds a unique flavor to the dish, while the creamy sauce gives it a rich and indulgent taste.
Ingredients
- 8 oz (227 g) ditalini pasta
- 2 tbsp Earth Balance
- 0.5 cup chopped leek
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 4 oz (113 g) silken tofu blended until thick and creamy with 0.38 cup plain soy milk (this replaces a 0.5 cup of heavy cream... the heavy cream replacement came from this recipe)
- 1 cup soy parmesan cheese
- a pinch of black pepper (optional)
How to prepare
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until it is al dente; drain it.
- Melt the earth balance in a large skillet over low heat.
- Sauté the leeks and garlic until they are tender and translucent.
- Stir in the cream, and simmer until it thickens.
- Toss the pasta with Parmesan until it is evenly coated and the Parmesan is melted.
- Season with pepper.
Variations
- Add cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
- Use different types of pasta such as penne or spaghetti.
- Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to cook the pasta al dente to ensure the perfect texture.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
- Stir the cream sauce constantly to prevent it from burning.
- Adjust the amount of Parmesan cheese to suit your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Garlic and Leek Ditalini with a side salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.
Cooking Techniques
Sauté the leeks and garlic until they are tender and fragrant.
- Simmer the cream sauce until it thickens and coats the pasta evenly.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use regular butter instead of Earth Balance.
- Use regular Parmesan cheese if you are not dairy-free.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. Cook the pasta just before serving for the best results.
Presentation Ideas
Garnish the dish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair Garlic and Leek Ditalini with a crisp white wine or a light salad for a well-rounded meal.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Calories: 320 per serving
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates: 35g per serving
Fats
Total Fat: 15g per serving
Proteins
Protein: 10g per serving
Vitamins and minerals
This dish is a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and Calcium.
Alergens
Contains soy and dairy (Parmesan cheese)
Summary
This dish is a balanced meal with a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for a meal.
Summary
Garlic and Leek Ditalini is a delicious and creamy pasta dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!
How did I get this recipe?
I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Garlic and Leek Ditalini. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy kitchen. Maria was known in our small town for her delicious Italian dishes, and that day she was preparing a simple yet flavorful pasta dish that I had never tried before.
As I watched her work her magic in the kitchen, I couldn't help but be drawn in by the intoxicating aroma of garlic and leeks sautéing in olive oil. The smell alone was enough to make my mouth water, and I knew I had to learn how to make this dish for myself.
Maria noticed my interest and smiled, knowing that I was eager to learn. She handed me a pen and a piece of paper and began to dictate the recipe to me. It was a simple dish, but one that required patience and precision to get just right.
First, she instructed me to finely chop the garlic and leeks, being careful not to burn them as they cooked in the hot olive oil. Next, she added a splash of white wine to deglaze the pan, infusing the dish with a subtle sweetness that balanced out the sharp flavors of the garlic and leeks.
As the pasta cooked in a pot of boiling water, Maria added a generous handful of freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the pan, creating a creamy sauce that coated each piece of ditalini perfectly. The final touch was a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, adding a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
I watched in awe as Maria plated the pasta, the steam rising from the dish enticing my senses even further. With a fork in hand, I eagerly took my first bite, savoring the rich flavors of garlic, leeks, and cheese that danced on my tongue.
From that moment on, I was hooked. I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen, a dish that I could share with friends and family for years to come. And so, I set to work perfecting my technique, making small adjustments here and there until I had mastered Maria's recipe for Garlic and Leek Ditalini.
Over the years, I have made this dish countless times, each time tweaking the recipe to suit my own tastes and preferences. I have added a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, or swapped out the Parmesan cheese for a sharper Pecorino Romano. Each variation has been met with rave reviews from those lucky enough to taste it, and I have even passed the recipe down to my own grandchildren, who now carry on the tradition of making Garlic and Leek Ditalini in their own homes.
As I sit here now, reminiscing about that fateful day in Maria's kitchen, I can't help but feel grateful for the knowledge and inspiration she passed on to me. It is a gift that has brought me joy and fulfillment, and one that I will cherish for the rest of my days. And so, I raise a forkful of Garlic and Leek Ditalini to Maria, my dear friend and mentor, whose love of cooking has shaped my own culinary journey in ways I never could have imagined. Cheers to her and to the power of a good recipe, passed down through the generations with love and care.
Categories
| Ditalini Recipes | Heavy Cream Recipes | Italian Recipes | Leek Recipes | Parmesan Cheese Recipes | Silken Tofu Recipes | Soy Milk Recipes | Vegetarian Recipes |