Sunday, October 3, 2010

Mafalda Pasta with Ricotta Cheese

Sometimes it's not just about the food but the inter-generational bonding that takes place over a shared dish, and savoring those precious moments.  Mentioning that I had tracked down some Mafalda pasta (similar to a thin version of lasagna) and was planning to serve it with ricotta, you would have sworn that I had just announced a lottery win to my daughter. This simple recipe is both our favourite and grandma's preferred pasta dish but serving it when we're all together is what truly makes it special. Three generation of women in our family who share a common passion for family and food, around the table in conversation, enjoying a plate of  pasta with a glass of red wine - it doesn't get any better. Life is good!


Ingredients:
400 grams pasta (about 3/4 lb) Mafalda pasta
1 cup soft ricotta
1/4 cup grated Parmigiana Regianno cheese
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1 onion chopped
1 small carrot chopped
1/2 cup celery chopped
1 garlic clove finely chopped
1 tablespoon tomato paste
6 cups tomatoes peeled and chopped
Salt

Begin by blanching the tomatoes in boiling water (about 1 minute); drain and peel off the skins. Chop and set aside.
In a sauce pan, heat the oil and butter. Add the onions and saute for 2-3 minutes and add the garlic, carrots and celery. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes. Add the tomato paste and stir. Season with salt to taste. Add the tomatoes, bring to a boil and then allow to simmer for 15-20 minutes.

In a pot of salted boiling water add the pasta and cook for 11 minutes. Pasta should be al dente.
Drain the pasta. Add the sauce and the grated Parmigiana Regianno cheese and toss. Plate and serve with a generous serving of ricotta cheese. Serves 4!

25 comments:

  1. I want to congratulate you for this pasta dish, you have used quality products, not "Parmesan" but Parmigiano Reggiano, extra virgin olive oil not canola oil, pasta Garofalo, I can tell you ... BRAVA ! check out my blog, you'll find many recipes that I'm sure you'll love! Good week ...

    http://www.lavogliamatta.com

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  2. Chiara, Thanks for the visit and support. I'm looking forward to following your blog.

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  3. Sometimes it's the simplicity of the dish that makes it the star at the dinner table. I love this pasta too and just happened to come across some the other day as well. Good food, good wine and fabulous company, the perfect recipe in my opinion.

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  4. omg! your pasta dish sounds really amaizing. cant wait to try this out. thank you for sharing.

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  5. Ava, they don't stock this pasta in most grocery stores like they used to and it's hard to find. I think our next mission/challenge is to bring the Mafalda back into fashion and make it more accessible. LOL
    You are so right, all you need for the perfect meal are three ingredients ...good food, good company and being Italian, we must have the wine. As always, it's such fun sharing Italian recipes with you.

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  6. To blackbookkitchendiaries,
    Thanks for checking out my blog. I'm really glad you enjoyed the post and hope you give the recipe a try. It is the simplest of recipes and so satisfying.
    Looking forward to checking out your blog. Thanks for posting a comment your support is appreciated. Good luck with the giveaway contest.

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  7. I think I want pasta for dinner now :)

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  8. It doesn't get any easier than this past recipe for a last minute dish. Thanks for the comment and once again, good luck with the contest.

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  9. Hi Anna!
    This looks delicious, and I can just picture the three of you sitting around the table together. What a lovely image!
    Ali

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