Pasta with almonds

Delicious recipe for pasta with caramelized almonds

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Number of servings: 2

I offer you a simple and quick recipe, perfect for a special dinner or an original dessert. The pasta with caramelized almonds is a savory combination that blends the velvety texture of the pasta with the crunchiness of the almonds, and the aroma of vanilla and rum gives it a unique twist. Let's get started!

Ingredients:
- 200 g pasta (I recommend shells for a pleasant texture)
- 100 g almonds (opt for raw almonds, but you can also use roasted ones for a more intense flavor)
- 5 tablespoons of sugar (you can adjust the amount according to your preferences)
- 1 lemon (juice and zest for a fresh taste)
- 3 tablespoons of oil (sunflower or olive oil for added flavor)
- Salt (to taste)
- Vanilla essence (to taste)
- Rum essence (optional, but recommended for a complex flavor)

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Cooking the pasta: In a large pot, add water and a little salt, then place it over medium heat. Wait for the water to boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and let it cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. When al dente, drain the pasta and save a few tablespoons of the cooking water.

2. Preparing the caramelized almonds: In a non-stick pan, add the 3 tablespoons of oil and heat over medium heat. Next, add the almonds and lightly roast them until golden, about 3-4 minutes. Be sure to stir constantly to avoid burning.

3. Caramelizing the sugar: After the almonds are roasted, add the sugar and mix well. Continue to cook over medium heat until the sugar begins to melt and turns golden, being careful not to over-caramelize. This process will take about 2-3 minutes.

4. Adding flavors: Squeeze the lemon juice and add it to the caramelized almonds. You can also add the lemon zest for a more intense flavor. Then, add the vanilla essence and, if desired, the rum essence. Mix everything well and let the mixture cook for another 1-2 minutes to combine the flavors.

5. Finalizing the dish: In a large bowl, add the drained pasta, then pour the caramelized almond mixture over it. If necessary, you can add a few tablespoons of the pasta cooking water to moisten the dish. Gently mix until the pasta is evenly coated.

6. Serving: Serve the pasta warm, sprinkled with a little powdered sugar or lemon zest for an elegant look. This pasta with almonds is also excellent as a dessert, alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a portion of sweet cream.

Suggestions and variations:
- You can replace the almonds with walnuts, hazelnuts, or pistachios to add a personal touch to the dish.
- Experiment with other flavors, such as cinnamon or ginger, to create a unique version of this dessert.
- If you want a more intense flavor, you can roast the almonds in the oven with a little oil and salt before caramelizing them.

This pasta with caramelized almonds is not only a delight but also a simple way to impress with a quick and tasty dessert. Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: Quantities for two servings of pasta (snails) - 200g almonds - 100g sugar - 5 tablespoons lemon - 1 piece, oil - 3 tablespoons salt, vanilla and rum essence - to taste