Linguini with Raisins, Pine Nuts and Bread Crumbs

Linguini with Raisins, Pine Nuts and Bread Crumbs Recipe from Italy

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Linguini with Raisins, Pine Nuts and Bread Crumbs is a unique and flavorful pasta dish that combines sweet raisins, crunchy pine nuts, and savory bread crumbs for a delicious and satisfying meal.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on traditional Italian pasta dishes, incorporating a variety of textures and flavors to create a truly memorable dish.

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium shallot, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
10 fresh basil leaves, cut into thin strips
pinch of red pepper flakes
0.5 cup white wine
0.75 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
0.33 cup golden raisins
8 oz (227 g) linguine
2 tbsp toasted pine nuts (see headnote)
1 tbsp whole grain toasted bread crumbs
1 tbsp soy parmesan
1 tbsp flaxseed oil or olive oil

How to prepare

Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add shallot and onion and cook, stirring often, until lightly browned, 2 to 3 minutes.
Reduce heat to medium.
Add basil, pepper flakes, and wine and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, 2 to 3 minutes.
Add vegetable broth and raisins and simmer until heated through, about 5 minutes.
Add 1 tbsp of salt and pasta to the boiling water, stirring to prevent sticking.
Cook the pasta until it is just tender, about 8 minutes.
Drain the pasta well.
Add pine nuts, bread crumbs, and soy cheese to the sauce; stir well.
Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Remove from heat.
Stir in flaxseed or olive oil.
Add the pasta and toss to coat.
Serve hot.

Variations

Add cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
Substitute walnuts or almonds for the pine nuts for a different flavor profile.
Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to toast the pine nuts before adding them to the dish to enhance their nutty flavor.

- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your taste preferences for spiciness.

- Use high-quality olive oil for the best flavor in this dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this pasta dish with a side salad and a glass of white wine for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Toasting the pine nuts adds depth of flavor to the dish.

- Simmering the raisins in the vegetable broth helps to plump them up and infuse the sauce with sweetness.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use regular parmesan cheese instead of soy parmesan if desired.

- Substitute dried basil for fresh basil if fresh is not available.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with additional fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This pasta dish pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Linguini with Raisins, Pine Nuts and Bread Crumbs contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

This dish is a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy to fuel your day.

Fats

The olive oil, pine nuts, and flaxseed oil in this recipe provide healthy fats that are essential for overall health.

Proteins

While this dish is not high in protein, the soy parmesan adds a boost of plant-based protein to the meal.

Vitamins and minerals

The basil in this dish is a good source of vitamin K, while the raisins provide iron and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts (pine nuts) and soy (soy parmesan), so be cautious if you have allergies to these ingredients.

Summary

Overall, this dish is a balanced meal that provides a mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Linguini with Raisins, Pine Nuts and Bread Crumbs is a delicious and unique pasta dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. With a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy elements, this recipe is a must-try for any pasta lover. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a moth to a flame. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy little kitchen. Maria was a fabulous cook, always experimenting with new ingredients and flavors. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by the most enticing aroma coming from her stovetop.

"What are you making, Maria?" I asked, eager to learn her latest culinary creation.

She smiled and pointed to a pot of linguini simmering on the stove. "Linguini with raisins, pine nuts, and bread crumbs," she said. "It's a traditional Sicilian dish that my Nonna used to make. Would you like to help me prepare it?"

I eagerly agreed, and Maria began to show me the steps. First, we toasted the pine nuts in a dry skillet until they were golden brown and fragrant. Then, we sautéed the bread crumbs in olive oil until they were crispy and golden. Next, we plumped up the raisins in a cup of warm water, allowing them to soften and release their sweet juices.

As the pasta cooked to al dente perfection, Maria tossed the linguini with the toasted pine nuts, plumped raisins, and crispy bread crumbs. The combination of flavors and textures was simply divine – the sweetness of the raisins, the nuttiness of the pine nuts, and the crunch of the bread crumbs all marrying together in perfect harmony.

I took my first bite and was instantly transported to a sunny Sicilian seaside village, where the smell of the salty sea mingled with the sweet scent of fresh pasta dishes. Maria and I shared a laugh as we savored each mouthful, knowing that we had stumbled upon a culinary gem.

From that day on, Linguini with Raisins, Pine Nuts, and Bread Crumbs became a staple in my kitchen. I made it for family gatherings, potluck dinners, and even just for myself on lazy Sunday afternoons. Each time I cooked it, I felt a connection to Maria and her Nonna, a shared love of food and tradition that transcended time and space.

Over the years, I have tweaked the recipe here and there, adding a pinch of this or a dash of that to make it my own. But the essence of the dish – the simplicity, the heartiness, the soul-warming comfort – remains the same.

As I sit here now, writing down this recipe for future generations to enjoy, I can't help but feel grateful for the culinary journey that led me to Linguini with Raisins, Pine Nuts, and Bread Crumbs. It's more than just a dish – it's a memory, a connection to the past, a piece of my heart that I can share with others.

So, if you ever find yourself in need of a comforting meal that will transport you to a sun-drenched Italian villa, look no further than Linguini with Raisins, Pine Nuts, and Bread Crumbs. And remember, every bite is infused with love, tradition, and the joy of cooking shared with those you hold dear. Bon appétit!