Pasta with Pancetta, Shallots, and Sage
At first glance these eye-catching chile peppers look like red jalapeno. However, they have a different flavor and are less meaty than Jalapeno. Red Fresnos are great roasted and added to salsas. Try grilling them alongside your steaks or in kabobs.
When roasting these they should char, blister, and become soft. Try substituting these in your favorite chile recipes.
Ingredients:
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 pound thinly sliced pancetta, cut into 1/2-inch-thick strips
1/3 cup dry white wine
1 fresh red chile, seeded and thinly sliced
6 large shallots, thinly sliced (2 cups)
1/4 cup sage leaves, torn
3 plum tomatoes—peeled, seeded and cut into 1/4-inch strips
1 pound rigatoni
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Add the pancetta and cook over moderately low heat until most of the fat has rendered and the pancetta is golden, about 10 minutes. Add the wine and simmer over moderately high heat until evaporated, about 3 minutes. With a slotted spoon, transfer the pancetta to a bowl and toss with the chile. Pour the fat off and return the skillet to the stove.
Heat the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil in the skillet. Add the shallots and sage leaves and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the shallots are translucent, about 8 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Add the pancetta and chile and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens, about 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the rigatoni and return the pasta to the pot. Stir in the shallot-and-pancetta mixture along with the reserved pasta cooking water. Season with salt and pepper, toss well and serve.
Make Ahead The pancetta and vegetables can be prepared up to 4 hours ahead.
Serves 6.
Recipe by Salvatore Denaro via foodandwine.com