Casarecce with Haddock and Walnut Pesto

The casarecce with haddock and walnut pesto is a rich and delicately flavored dish that combines the tradition of pasta with a fish-based sauce enriched by the crunchiness of walnuts. Here is the recipe step by step:

Ingredients

• 320 g of casarecce (or other short pasta to taste)
• 200 g of haddock fillet
• 50 g of shelled walnuts
• 1 clove of garlic
• A handful of fresh parsley
• 50 g of grated Parmesan cheese
• Extra virgin olive oil to taste
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Preparation

1. Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta. Cook the casarecce according to the time indicated on the package to achieve an al dente texture.
2. Meanwhile, wash and dry the haddock fillet, then cook it in a non-stick pan with a drizzle of oil and a crushed garlic clove. Cook for about 10 minutes or until the fish is cooked and flakes easily. Lightly salt it and set aside.
3. In a mixer, grind the walnuts with fresh parsley and a pinch of salt and pepper until you get a fairly fine chop.
4. Remove the garlic from the haddock pan and add the walnut and parsley chop, mixing to blend the flavors. Flake the fish with a fork to integrate it into the walnut pesto.
5. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and mix well until you have a smooth cream. If necessary, add a little pasta cooking water to make the pesto more fluid.
6. Drain the casarecce al dente, reserving some of the cooking water, and pour them directly into the pan with the haddock and walnut pesto.
7. Gently mix over low heat, adding cooking water if necessary to cream the pasta.
8. Serve the hot casarecce with haddock and walnut pesto, with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and a raw oil drizzle if desired.

Curiosity

Haddock is a fish with a delicate taste and soft texture, making it ideal for turning into a creamy and tasty pesto. The addition of walnuts not only adds a crunchy touch that contrasts pleasantly with the softness of the fish but also contributes with their intense flavor and slightly bitter aftertaste, balancing the sweet profile of the haddock.