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Pasta with Zucchini, Curry, and Pancetta

17/11/2023

Pasta with zucchini, curry, and pancetta is a dish with a rich and spicy flavor, combining the sweetness of zucchini with the intense flavor of curry and the savoriness of pancetta. Here’s an all-Italian recipe to make this tasty dish.

Ingredients

  • 320 g of pasta (penne or fusilli work well)
  • 2-3 medium zucchinis
  • 150 g of diced pancetta
  • 1 tablespoon of curry powder
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • Extra virgin olive oil as needed
  • Salt as needed
  • Ground black pepper as needed
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

Preparation

  1. Wash and cut the zucchini into rounds or cubes, depending on your preference.
  2. In a large pan, sauté the garlic cloves in extra virgin olive oil. When the garlic is golden, remove it from the pan.
  3. Add the pancetta to the pan and let it brown until it becomes crispy.
  4. Add the cut zucchini to the pan with the pancetta and cook over medium-high heat until tender.
  5. Sprinkle the curry over the zucchini and pancetta, mix well to flavor the ingredients, and let it cook for about a minute so the spices can release their aroma.
  6. Meanwhile, cook the pasta in plenty of salted water following the timing indicated on the package to achieve an al dente texture.
  7. Drain the pasta, setting aside some of the cooking water.
  8. Add the pasta to the pan with the zucchini and pancetta, stirring well to blend the flavors. If the mixture is too dry, add some of the cooking water to make it creamier.
  9. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  10. If desired, add grated Parmesan cheese and mix well before serving.

Serve the pasta hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley for a touch of color and an additional burst of freshness.

Curiosity

Curry is not originally an ingredient in Italian cuisine, but it is now widely used in experimenting with new flavors. In this recipe, it gives an exotic and spicy touch that pairs well with the more traditional taste of pancetta and zucchini. Remember that curry is a blend of spices, and each blend can have a different intensity, so adjust the quantity according to your taste.

Pasta with Zucchini, Curry and Pancetta