Tagliatelle with curly cabbage and ham

Tagliatelle with Savoy Cabbage and Ham

Welcome to our kitchen! Today, I present to you a delicious recipe, full of flavors and textures, that perfectly combines tagliatelle with savoy cabbage and crispy ham. This dish is not just a hearty meal, but also an explosion of tastes that will take you on a memorable culinary journey. Let's get started!

Preparation Time
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
- Total: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4

Necessary Ingredients
- 1 small savoy cabbage (approximately 400 g)
- 400 g tagliatelle
- 150 g ham (preferably smoked for a stronger flavor)
- 1 bell pepper (optional, but recommended for a touch of freshness)
- 2 tablespoons flavored oil (olive or sunflower oil)
- 150 ml yogurt (Greek yogurt will add creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon curry (for an exotic flavor)
- 50 g butter
- 100 ml milk
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (to thicken the sauce)
- white pepper (to taste)
- salt (for boiling pasta and cabbage)

Recipe History
This recipe is a modern combination of pasta tradition, highly appreciated in Mediterranean cuisine, and fresh ingredients like savoy cabbage. Cabbage, a humble ingredient, has been used for centuries in various dishes, adding nutrients and a crunchy texture. Combined with pasta and ham, the result is a simple meal with a remarkable culinary impact.

Step by Step
Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients
1. Cleaning the cabbage: Remove the outer leaves of the cabbage and cut it into quarters. These will be blanched, so make sure they are clean.
2. Slicing the ham: Cut the ham into thin slices.

Step 2: Frying the Ham
1. In a skillet, add 2 tablespoons of flavored oil and heat over medium heat.
2. Place the slices of ham in the skillet and fry until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Remove the ham to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess fat. Let it cool, then tear it into small pieces.

Step 3: Blanching the Cabbage
1. In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add salt.
2. Blanch the cabbage leaves in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, until they soften slightly.
3. Immediately transfer them to ice water to stop the cooking process and preserve the vibrant color.

Step 4: Boiling the Pasta
1. Use the same pot to boil the tagliatelle according to the package instructions, usually 8-9 minutes.
2. Drain the pasta and reserve a cup of the cooking water.

Step 5: Preparing the Sauce
1. In the skillet where you fried the ham, add 50 g of butter and let it melt.
2. Add 1 teaspoon of curry and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, stirring constantly.
3. Incorporate the yogurt mixed with milk and stir until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Season with white pepper to taste.

Step 6: Assembling the Dish
1. Add the boiled tagliatelle to the yogurt and curry sauce, stirring well so the pasta absorbs the sauce.
2. Cut the cabbage leaves into strips and add them to the skillet.
3. Sprinkle the torn ham and diced bell pepper on top. Mix everything well and let the flavors combine for a few minutes.

Serving
This dish is the best choice if you want a quick and satisfying meal, perfect for a family dinner or a meal with friends. Serve the tagliatelle hot, perhaps with a fresh green salad on the side and a glass of dry white wine or cold lemonade. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top will add an even more intense flavor!

Nutritional Benefits
This recipe offers a good balance between carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats. Savoy cabbage is rich in vitamins C and K, while yogurt provides beneficial probiotics for the digestive system. Additionally, ham offers a source of protein, but it's best to choose a lean option to keep the recipe healthy.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, you can try using other types of pasta, such as fettuccine or spaghetti.

2. What else can I add to this dish?
You can add vegetables like carrots or zucchini to diversify the recipe and add more nutrients.

3. How can I make the recipe vegetarian?
Replace the ham with fried tofu or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian version.

Possible Variations
- For a spicy taste, add some chili peppers or chili flakes to the sauce.
- For a creamier sauce, you can use sour cream instead of yogurt.
- Add fresh herbs like parsley or basil for an extra touch of flavor and freshness.

Personal Note
This recipe has become my favorite on busy days when time is limited but the appetite is high. I have always enjoyed experimenting with textures, and the crunchy combination of ham with the creaminess of the yogurt sauce and the flavor of the cabbage makes every meal a true celebration.

I invite you to try this recipe and add your personal touch through variations or spices! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 1 small curly cabbage 400 g tagliatelle 150 g ham 1 bell pepper 2 tablespoons flavored oil yogurt sauce with curry 150 ml yogurt 1 teaspoon curry 2 tablespoons flavored oil 50 g butter 100 ml milk 1 tablespoon starch white pepper to taste