Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will transform your ordinary pasta night into an extraordinary gastronomic experience! This Black Garlic and Preserved Lemon Pasta is not just a recipe; it's a symphony of bold, unexpected flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. Imagine the deep, rich umami of black garlic dancing with the bright, zingy notes of preserved lemon - creating a dish that's both sophisticated and irresistibly delicious.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta of choice
- 3 cloves black garlic, minced
- 1 preserved lemon, rind only, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add your 12 oz of pasta of choice and cook according to package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes, depending on the type of pasta.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a large skillet, heat 1/4 cup of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the 3 cloves of minced black garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Next, add the chopped rind of 1 preserved lemon to the skillet. Stir well to combine with the black garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes. The preserved lemon will add a tangy flavor that complements the garlic.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander. Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the black garlic and preserved lemon mixture.
- Gently toss the pasta in the skillet to coat it evenly with the sauce. If the pasta seems dry, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the cheese is melted and evenly distributed throughout the pasta.
- Season the pasta with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the preserved lemon and Parmesan already add some saltiness, so taste before adding more salt.
- To serve, plate the pasta and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. You can also sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top if desired.
- Enjoy your Black Garlic and Preserved Lemon Pasta warm, savoring the unique flavors of the dish!
Tips
- Black Garlic Magic: Make sure to sauté the black garlic gently to release its complex, sweet-savory flavor without burning. The key is medium heat and constant attention.
- Pasta Water is Your Secret Weapon: Always reserve some pasta cooking water. Its starchy goodness helps create a silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats every strand of pasta.
- Preserved Lemon Pro Tip: Rinse the preserved lemon before chopping to control the saltiness. This allows you to balance the flavors precisely.
- Cheese Matters: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melting and flavor. Pre-grated cheese can be dry and lacks the same rich taste.
- Garnish Game Strong: Don't skip the fresh parsley! It adds a bright, fresh contrast to the deep flavors of the black garlic and preserved lemon.
- Pasta Selection: While this recipe works with most pasta shapes, we recommend using a pasta that can hold sauce well, like rigatoni, penne, or linguine.Pro Tip: This dish is best served immediately while hot and the sauce is at its most luxurious. Enjoy it fresh from the pan for the ultimate flavor experience!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 10mg
