Fresh Corn Pestare Pasta & Seared Grape Tomatoes
By
Lynn Beamer
@selkirk
12
In Italian, “pestare” means to grind or to pound. In this recipe fresh corn is ground in the food processor to create the base of a creamy pasta sauce topped with sweetly seared tomatoes, crispy bacon, fresh herbs and toasted pine nuts.
Rating:
☆☆☆☆☆ 0 votes0
Comments:
Serves:
4-6 May serve as first course or main dish.
Prep:
20 Min
Cook:
30 Min
Method:
Stove Top
Ingredients
-
4 c4-cups fresh corn kernels (about 6 large ears)
-
8 slicethick cut applewood bacon, diced
-
1 1/2 cgrape tomatoes, sliced into halves
-
1 1/2 tspkosher salt (divided)
-
1 Tbspminced garlic
-
1/2 tspfreshly ground black pepper
-
1 pinchcayenne pepper
-
1/2 cfreshly grated parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
-
1/2 ctoasted pine nuts, divided
-
3/4 cheavy cream
-
8 oztagliatelle (fresh if possible)
-
1/2 cfresh basil leaves, coarsely chopped (divided)
-
1/4 cflat leaf parsley, coarsley chopped
How to Make Fresh Corn Pestare Pasta & Seared Grape Tomatoes
- Microwave 3 ears of corn in husks on HIGH for 3 minutes. Remove and repeat with the other 3 ears of corn. Let cool, remove husks and silk and slice off kernels into a large bowl.
- In large heavy skillet, over medium heat, cook bacon until golden brown. Using a slotted spoon transfer bacon to paper towel to drain. Pour off all but 1 tablespoon of bacon drippings reserving one extra tablespoon for later use.
- Add tomatoes and 1/2-teaspoon salt to skillet; cook over medium heat until tomatoes are lightly browned and caramelized. Using slotted spoon transfer tomatoes to heatproof bowl.
- Add reserved 1 tablespoon of bacon drippings to pan. Add corn, garlic, remaining salt and pepper and cayenne pepper; cook, stirring for 2 minutes or until garlic is fragrant. Reserve 1 1/2 cups of corn mixture in small bowl and set aside.
- Pour the remaining corn mixture into a food processor or blender. Add Parmesan cheese, 1/4-cup pine nuts and cream; process until pestare is smooth and creamy.
- Meanwhile, cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water, stirring occasionally until pasta is tender but firm (fresh pasta will take about 1-2 minutes). Drain pasta, reserving 2 cups of pasta water.
- Return pasta to pot and add fresh corn pestare, reserved corn kernels,1/4-cup basil leaves and parsley. Toss gently adding just enough of reserved pasta water to reach desired sauce consistency. Adjust seasonings to taste with salt, pepper and cayenne.
- Divide pasta among serving bowls. Top with seared tomatoes, crispy bacon, remaining pine nuts. Garnish with remaining basil. Pass additional grated Parmesan as desired.
About Fresh Corn Pestare Pasta & Seared Grape Tomatoes
Course/Dish: Pasta Other Appetizers
Main Ingredient: Vegetable
Regional Style: Italian
Other Tag: Quick & Easy
