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Farfalle with Zucchini, Pine Nuts, and Chickpea Cream

17/11/2023

Farfalle with Zucchini, Pine Nuts, and Chickpea Cream is a dish that combines the lightness of vegetables with the richness of legumes and the crunchiness of pine nuts. Here is a recipe to prepare this delicious dish, ideal for a light and nutritious meal.

Ingredients

  • 350 g of farfalle (butterfly-shaped pasta)
  • 2 medium zucchinis
  • 1 clove of garlic
  • 100 g of pine nuts
  • 400 g of cooked chickpeas (if using canned, drain and rinse well)
  • 1 lemon (juice and grated zest)
  • 60 ml of extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Fresh mint or basil for garnish (to taste)

Preparation

  1. Start by toasting the pine nuts in a pan without oil until they are golden. Then, set them aside.

  2. Slice the zucchinis into thin rounds. Heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil in a pan with a clove of garlic. Add the zucchini rounds and sauté until they are lightly golden. Season with salt and set them aside.

  3. For the chickpea cream, take a blender and put in the cooked chickpeas, lemon juice, grated lemon zest, a pinch of salt and pepper, red pepper flakes if you want a spicier flavor, and blend everything together, gradually adding the extra virgin olive oil until you achieve a smooth and uniform cream.

  4. Cook the farfalle in plenty of salted water, following the instructions on the package to achieve an al dente texture.

  5. Drain the pasta, reserving some of the cooking water. Pour the farfalle into the pan with the zucchinis, add the chickpea cream and gently mix. If necessary, add a bit of the pasta cooking water to make the sauce creamier.

  6. Serve the hot farfalle, garnished with the toasted pine nuts and fresh mint or basil leaves.

Curiosity

The farfalle are ideal for this type of dish because their shape allows them to hold the sauce well. The pasta is often used in Italy for recipes that require a creamy dressing or are rich in vegetables, precisely for its ability to capture flavors and sauces.

The combination of zucchini and legumes like chickpeas is typical of Mediterranean cuisine, nutritious and at the same time light. The pine nuts added at the end provide a crunchy touch that nicely contrasts with the creaminess of the pasta. Enjoy your meal!

Farfalle with Zucchini, Pine Nuts, and Chickpea Cream