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Radiatori with Vegetables and Saffron

17/11/2023

Here is the recipe to prepare delicious radiatori with vegetables and saffron, a pasta that thanks to its particular shape is great for holding flavors. Naturally, there will be an all-Italian touch in suggesting this recipe.

Ingredients

  • 320 g of radiatori pasta
  • 1 zucchini
  • 1 carrot
  • 1 red bell pepper
  • 1 sachet of saffron
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • A pinch of chili pepper (optional)
  • Vegetable broth or water (as much as needed to dissolve the saffron)

Preparation

  1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil to cook the pasta. Once boiling, cook the radiatori according to the package instructions to achieve al dente pasta.
  2. Meanwhile, clean and chop the zucchini, carrot, and red bell pepper into similarly sized cubes.
  3. In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and add the peeled garlic cloves (crushed, if you prefer a more intense flavor). If you like a spicy touch, you can also add a pinch of chili pepper.
  4. Add the chopped vegetables to the skillet and sauté until they are tender but still crunchy, making sure to stir frequently.
  5. In a small bowl, dissolve the sachet of saffron in a bit of hot vegetable broth or hot water.
  6. Once the vegetables are cooked, remove the garlic cloves and add the dissolved saffron. Mix well to blend the flavors.
  7. Drain the al dente pasta and add it to the skillet with the vegetables and saffron. Toss everything in the skillet for a couple of minutes, so the radiatori can absorb all the flavors of the sauce.
  8. Taste and adjust for salt and pepper if necessary.
  9. Serve hot, with a generous sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese on top, if desired.

Curiosity

Saffron is a spice that is highly prized in cooking for its unique flavor and the vibrant color it gives to dishes. Its origins are ancient, and it is thought to have been used in ancient Middle Eastern empires. In Italy, the Abruzzo region is very famous for the production of very high-quality saffron.

I hope you can enjoy this flavorful and colorful dish that combines the aromatic richness of saffron with the freshness of seasonal vegetables. Buon appetito!