[CH] Pepper Pasta - suggestions?
William Tworek (wtworek@mindspring.com)
Wed, 2 Feb 2000 08:13:40 +0200
I don't know if anyone on the list has ever heard of this Italian dish. It
was described to me by an Italian e-friend, and I've used it a lot. I
highly recommend it for a spicy meal! I only cook for two people plus the
dog, it's a *real* generous two people!
INGREDIENTS
1-2 tsp. fresh minced garlic (to taste)
1/2 tsp. or more of Oregano (to taste)
Salt and Pepper to taste
1 medium onion - minced
2+ Peppers (I use some red bell and some hotter one's depending on what's
available)
2 TBSP. olive oil
3/4 lb. thin sliced, smoked deli ham (procuittto (sp?) was recommened)
5 or more Roma Tomatoes, diced
1/2 cup milk
3 TBSP. flour
pasta enough to serve your crowd (I use angel hair, but pick your favorite)
Optional: cheese on top (fresh grated parmesan, provolone...)
NOTE: Depending on your pasta, put it on to cook so it will be done when
you need it... different pasta takes different amounts of time.
Get yourself a large skillet. Look at the dog and feel sorry for him, toss
him a treat. Cut up the ham into small pieces, perhaps one inch by one
inch, or strips if you prefer, and drop a piece on the floor for the dog.
Cut up the onion, peppers, tomatoes and garlic and set aside. Put olive oil
in a large skillet, enough to cover the bottom of it generously. Put the
ham into the skillet. Accidentally drop a piece for the dog. Brown the ham
a little bit. Add the onions, garlic, peppers and tomatoes, and let it
simmer for a bit. The ingredients will begin to form a delicious
combination which can be served just like it is now over the pasta. Now be
sure to get out a small plate to reserve your puppy portion for the
anxiously awaiting canine at your feet.
What's the milk and Flour for? Well, we discovered one time, when we nearly
ruined our pepper pasta from over cooking (the dog distracted us) that you
can add about 1/2 cup of milk and a little flour for thickener, and it will
form a WONDERFUL cream sauce. It brings the dish right back to life in case
of emergency! We now make it this way every time.
The nice part of this recipe is that you can change the ingredients to suit
your taste, it is quite flexible. Tonight I put half a jalepeno in it
(chopped) and I couldn't even taste it! Gotta fire it up more next time.
It's a very different spicy dish, and so far even the pepper haters enjoy
it.
If you happen to try to cook this (believe me, anyone can do it!) let me
know of any good variations. We love to eat this, and are always evolving
it into the more perfect dish!
Lori (Plops - the dog's - Mom)