Perfect Saffron Pasta

INGREDIENTS

INSTRUCTIONS

Makes about 2/3 pound, 4 to 6 servings.
The rich flavor and aroma of this pasta are wonderful with fish and
shellfish in a broth, wine, or cream sauce, or with sauteed chicken. It
stands up well to sauces that have the strong flavor of olives and acid
ingredients such as wine and tomatoes. Try Saffron Pasta with sweet
peppers, garlic, and onions or leeks. Here, we shape it into bow ties,
called farfalle (''butterflies") in Italian.
2 teaspoons saffron threads, firmly packed 1 tablespoon hot water 2 cups
unbleached flour 2 extra-large eggs
In a small bowl, combine the saffron and the watcr and let stand 10
minutes. If you are making the pasta by hand, add the saffron and water to
the eggs after you have beaten them lightly with a fork. If you are making
the pasta in a food processor, add the saffron water to the work bowl aftcr
you have added the eggs. Proceed according to the directions for Egg Pasta
(please see the recipe "Perfect Pasta").
After rolling the dough through the next-to-last setting on the pasta
machine, cut it into 1-by-2-inch rectangles with a fluted ravioli cutter or
knife. With your thumb and forefinger, pinch the centers of the rectangles
together to make bow ties and set them on tea towels or a lightly floured
surface.
FETA, CHIVES & PISTACHIOS W/ SAFFRON PASTA
Serves 4 to 6.
Bright and beautiful, golden bow ties are dressed with chopped chives and
pistachios. Serve them as a side dish or a light but satisfying main
course.
Water 6 ounces feta cheese, crumbled 1/3 cup roasted, shelled, and peeled
pistachios, coarsely chopped 1/3 cup chopped Chives 3 tablespoons currants,
softened in hot water and drained 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil Salt
1 batch Saffron Pasta Freshly ground black pepper
In a large pot, bring several guarts of water to a boil. Meanwhile, place
the cheese, pistachios, chives, currants, and olive oil in a large saute
pan.
When the water comes to a boil, salt it well, add the pasta, and cook it al
dente. Drain it, reserving about 1/2 cup of the cooking water. Add the
drained pasta to the saute pan along with enough of the reservcd cooking
water to make a sauce that just coats the noodles. Season with salt and
pepper and toss well. If desired, you may drizzle the top lightly with
olive oil. Serve hot.
Source:  "Pasta & Herbs: A Natural Noodle Connection" by Carolyn Dille &
Susan Belsinger ** The Herb Companion -- April/May 1996 **
Scanned and formatted for you by  The WEE Scot  --  paul macGregor From:
Paul Macgregor                  Date: 05-01-96
Posted to MM-Recipes Digest V4 #063 by BobbieB1@aol.com on Mar 2, 1997.

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