Orecchiette (Pasta) with Beans and Zucchini

 Ingredients: For 2 servings: 230 g of cooked beans, 2 and a half zucchinis, 160 g of orecchiette (small pasta), oil, salt, one clove of garlic.

We start by preparing the necessary ingredients to create a delicious and healthy meal. The first step is to wash the zucchinis well, making sure to remove any impurities. Then, we slice them thinly, about 1 cm, to ensure they cook evenly and quickly. In a deep skillet heated over medium heat, we add a little olive oil, enough to cover the bottom of the pan.

When the oil is hot, we add the sliced zucchinis and a whole clove of garlic, which we have gently crushed with the blade of the knife. This will allow the flavors to release during cooking. We sauté the zucchinis for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become golden and slightly crispy. The aroma of the garlic will blend perfectly with the sweet taste of the zucchinis, creating a flavorful base for our dish.

Meanwhile, we put a pot of water to boil. We add salt to flavor the pasta. When the water reaches a boil, we add the pasta and let it cook according to the package instructions, usually between 8 and 12 minutes, until al dente. This step is essential because al dente pasta provides a pleasant texture when combined with the other ingredients.

When the pasta is ready, we drain it well, but keep a little of the cooking water to adjust the sauce consistency later if needed. We pour the pasta into the skillet with the zucchinis and garlic, discarding the whole garlic to avoid a strong taste. Now it's time to add the cooked beans, which should be well drained and rinsed from the liquid they were preserved in, if canned. The beans will add a note of protein and a contrast of textures, enriching the dish.

We mix everything well so that the pasta is evenly coated with the flavors of the zucchinis and beans. If we notice that the mixture is too dry, we can add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta cooking water to achieve a creamier consistency. Finally, we serve the dish warm, sprinkled with grated pecorino cheese or parmesan, depending on preference. This combination of flavors and textures will turn a simple meal into an unforgettable culinary experience. Enjoy your meal!

 Tags:  garlic bean oil zucchini lactose-free recipes vegetarian recipes