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Pasta with Salmon and Pistachios

17/11/2023

Pasta with salmon and pistachios is a creamy and flavorful dish where the sweetness of the salmon perfectly complements the slightly salty and crunchy note of the pistachios. Here is an Italian recipe to prepare it.

Ingredients

  • 320 g of pasta, penne or fettuccine work well.
  • 200 g of smoked salmon
  • 100 g of unsalted pistachios
  • 200 ml of cooking cream
  • ½ glass of dry white wine
  • 1 shallot or a small onion
  • Extra virgin olive oil to taste
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Preparation

  1. Start by lightly toasting the pistachios in a pan without adding fats for a few minutes. Then coarsely chop them with a knife or a mixer (do not pulverize them, leave small pieces for crunchiness).

  2. Cut the smoked salmon into strips or cubes according to your preference.

  3. Finely chop the shallot and let it wilt in a pan with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Add the smoked salmon and let it flavor for a couple of minutes over medium heat.

  4. Deglaze with the white wine and let it evaporate on high heat.

  5. Lower the flame and add the cooking cream. Let the sauce thicken on low heat, stirring occasionally. Add the chopped pistachios, season with salt and pepper to taste and keep the sauce warm.

  6. In the meantime, cook the pasta in plenty of salted water following the cooking times indicated on the package to have it al dente.

  7. Drain the pasta reserving some of the cooking water, and pour it into the pan with the sauce. If necessary, add a little cooking water to make the sauce more fluid and stir well to combine.

  8. Serve hot, garnishing with more chopped pistachios if you want an additional crunchy touch.

Curiosity

Smoked salmon is a versatile ingredient that lends itself to multiple preparations, from appetizers to main courses. The pairing with pistachios is less common but surprising, as it combines the strong flavor of the fish with the delicate taste and consistency of the pistachios. It is a dish that is often found on the menus of trendy restaurants as an expression of contemporary Italian cuisine.