Nigella Peanut Butter Pasta
Dive into the delightful world of Nigella Lawson's Dreamy, Creamy Peanut Butter Pasta, a recipe that transforms simple pantry staples into a luscious meal, perfect for those seeking both comfort and a touch of elegance in their dining experience. This dish, which serves four, is an embodiment of Nigella's ability to create something unexpectedly sublime from the most basic ingredients, promising a culinary adventure that's both economical and utterly satisfying.
Dreamy, Creamy Peanut Butter Pasta: A Brief Overview
Nigella Lawson's peanut butter pasta is a testament to the power of creativity in the kitchen, combining the rich, nutty flavors of peanut butter with the smooth, comforting texture of spaghetti, all while incorporating the healthful brightness of baby spinach. This dish stands out for its innovative cooking technique, which involves cooking the pasta mostly off the heat and using the pasta's starchy cooking water to achieve an irresistibly creamy sauce without the use of cream.
Cultural or Historical Context
The method of cooking pasta with minimal boiling, as featured in this recipe, was inspired by Italian culinary traditions and has been championed by Nigella as an energy-saving and stress-reducing approach to pasta preparation. This method, along with the unconventional addition of peanut butter, showcases Nigella's talent for blending the traditional with the modern, creating dishes that are both comforting and exciting.
Ingredients for the Dreamy, Creamy Peanut Butter Pasta
- Baby spinach: 240g
- Fine salt: 1 tbsp for the pasta water, plus ¼ tsp for the sauce
- Spaghetti: 320g
- Smooth peanut butter: 75g
- Large garlic cloves, minced: 2
- Dried thyme: 1 tsp
- Chilli flakes: ½ tsp
- Unwaxed lemon: ½, juiced, plus wedges to serve
- Paprika: A large pinch, for dusting (optional)
Preparation Instructions
- Start with boiling water: Begin by boiling a large pan of water and preparing a colander for the spinach.
- Cook the pasta: Add spaghetti to vigorously boiling water seasoned with salt, cook briefly, then cover and let sit off the heat.
- Prepare the sauce: Utilize the pasta cooking water to blend with peanut butter, creating a creamy base to which garlic, thyme, chilli flakes, and lemon juice are added.
- Combine: Drain the pasta over spinach to wilt it, then mix everything in the pan, adjusting with pasta water as needed for creaminess.
Storage and Reheating
This pasta dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently, adding a little water to restore the sauce's creamy texture. It also makes a delightful cold noodle salad for a next-day lunch.
Nutritional Information
While specific nutritional values depend on the brands of ingredients used, this dish offers a good balance of carbohydrates from the pasta, protein and healthy fats from the peanut butter, and a variety of vitamins and minerals from the baby spinach.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use chunky peanut butter? For the creamiest sauce, smooth peanut butter is recommended, but chunky can add texture if preferred.
- Is the dish spicy? The chilli flakes add a gentle heat, which can be adjusted to taste.
- Can I add protein? Absolutely, chicken or tofu would make excellent additions for a protein boost.
In conclusion, Nigella Lawson's Dreamy, Creamy Peanut Butter Pasta is more than just a meal; it's an experience that marries simplicity with sophistication, making it a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their pasta game. Perfect for a cozy night in, this dish promises to delight your taste buds and become a cherished addition to your culinary repertoire.
Original recipe by Nigella Lawson, as featured on Ocado and expressed.co.uk websites.