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Half-Moon Pasta with Salmon and Chives

17/11/2023

The half-moon pasta with salmon and chives is a delicious first course. Here is the recipe:

Ingredients

  • For the pasta:
    • 300 g of durum wheat flour
    • 3 large eggs
  • For the filling:
    • 200 g of smoked salmon
    • 150 g of ricotta
    • 1 bunch of fresh chives, finely chopped
    • Salt and pepper to taste
  • For the dressing:
    • 100 g of butter
    • Fresh chives chopped for garnish
    • Grated zest of 1 lemon (optional)

Preparation

  1. Begin by preparing the fresh pasta: pour the flour in a mound on a pastry board or a large bowl. Break the eggs in the center and start incorporating them into the flour, first using a fork and then kneading with your hands until you have a smooth and elastic dough. Cover with cling film and let it rest for 30 minutes.

  2. Meanwhile, prepare the filling: finely chop the smoked salmon and mix it with the ricotta in a bowl. Add chopped chives, salt, and pepper to taste, and mix until you get a homogeneous mixture.

  3. Roll out the fresh pasta dough using a pasta machine or a rolling pin, obtaining a thin sheet (about 1-2 mm). With a pastry cutter or a glass, cut out circles of dough.

  4. Place a teaspoon of the filling at the center of each dough circle. Then fold in half to form half-moons and seal the edges by pressing them with your fingers or with a fork to close them well.

  5. Cook the half-moons in plenty of boiling salted water for 2-3 minutes or until they rise to the surface.

  6. As the half-moons are cooking, melt the butter in a pan until it becomes slightly golden. Add grated lemon zest if you wish.

  7. Drain the half-moons from their cooking water and transfer them into the pan with the melted butter. Sauté for a minute to flavor them.

  8. Serve immediately garnishing with more fresh chopped chives.

Curiosity

The half-moons, similar to ravioli but semicircular in shape, are very versatile and can be filled with a variety of ingredients, often including vegetables or cheeses. The use of smoked salmon and chives in this dish is a classic pairing that has its roots in Nordic cuisine, but it has been enthusiastically embraced in Italian cooking as well.

Half-Moon Pasta with Salmon and Chives