The whole wheat pasta with light radicchio is an easy and quick first course to prepare.
Simple, to appreciate the typical bitter note of the vegetable.
I used the early red radicchio from Treviso, which is harvested in October and November.
I creamed it with a sprinkle of grated cheese [also vegetable for a vegan version] and added a sprinkle of whole wheat breadcrumbs.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Economical
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Portions: 2 People
- Cooking methods: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 5.6 oz whole wheat penne rigate
- 1 head early red radicchio from Treviso IGP (or other variety)
- 1/2 shallot
- 1 small glass white wine
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 pinch mixed peppercorns (with grinder)
- 2 tbsp grated cheese (grana or parmesan)
- 2 tbsp whole wheat breadcrumbs
- 1 drizzle extra virgin olive oil (raw)
Suggested Tools
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Pan
Preparation
Clean the radicchio:
• Remove the outer leaves;
• Spread the leaves apart to let water penetrate the head and rinse it;
• Cut the leaves into strips and remove the central tough attachment of the head.Peel the shallot, remove the ends, and slice it into rounds.
In a pan, add the shallot and let it wilt for a few seconds.
Deglaze with a small glass of white wine.
Add the radicchio, stir, and let it wilt over high heat for 2-3 minutes.
Add the salt and grind the pepper.Cook the pasta, rinse it under running water, and drain it.
Meanwhile, heat the radicchio.Add the pasta to the pan with the radicchio and mix.
Off the heat, add a sprinkle of grated cheese and whole wheat breadcrumbs and stir to cream.
Grind a little more pepper and drizzle with a bit of extra virgin olive oil.
You can add a protein source of your choice among:
• cheese flakes;
• bresaola, prosciutto, speck;
• low-fat cheese, spreadable low-fat cheese [cottage cheese and ricotta];
in the quantity provided by your dietary plan and transform the whole wheat pasta with light radicchio into a one-dish meal that concentrates the characteristics that distinguish a balanced meal in a single course.
Variations
Add a handful of coarsely chopped walnuts.
FAQ (Questions and Answers)
With which vegetable can I replace radicchio?
If you don’t like radicchio or want to replace it, you can use Belgian endive or another leafy vegetable [chard or Swiss chard, cabbage or savoy cabbage, chicory or spinach].
