Pasta with wild garlic and boiled egg

Penne with wild garlic paste and boiled egg: a quick and tasty recipe

Total preparation time: 30 minutes
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Servings: 2

Are you looking for a dish that combines the delicate flavors of spring with the perfect texture of pasta? Penne with wild garlic paste and boiled egg is the ideal choice! This recipe is not only quick and simple but also full of flavor and color.

A bit of history

Wild garlic, also known as ramsons, is an aromatic plant appreciated in traditional cuisine. Used for centuries for its therapeutic properties and intense flavors, wild garlic adds a unique taste to dishes. This simple recipe will help you discover all the benefits of this delicious plant.

Ingredients

- 200 g penne pasta
- 100 g wild garlic paste (you can use fresh wild garlic, finely chopped, mixed with olive oil and a pinch of salt)
- 1 tablespoon peanut oil (or another vegetable oil, such as olive oil)
- 1 egg (preferably eggs from free-range hens for better taste)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste

Ingredient details

- Penne pasta is ideal for this recipe due to its shape that holds the sauce and flavors.
- Wild garlic paste can be found in health food stores or can be made at home by blending fresh wild garlic with oil and salt.
- Peanut oil is an excellent choice due to its high smoke point, but you can substitute it with olive oil for a more familiar taste.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preparing the boiled egg

Start by placing the egg in a pot with cold water. Bring the water to a boil and let the egg boil for 8-10 minutes, depending on how hard you want the yolk to be. If you prefer a softer yolk, 8 minutes will be enough. After boiling, transfer the egg to a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking process.

2. Boiling the pasta

In another pot, add water and a pinch of salt, then bring to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes). Meanwhile, prepare a ladle of water from the pasta pot, which you will use later.

3. Cooking the pasta with wild garlic

Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander, reserving some water (about a ladleful). In a pan, add the peanut oil and heat it over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the wild garlic paste and a little of the reserved pasta water.

Let it simmer for a few minutes, stirring constantly. Here you can add salt and pepper to taste. If the mixture seems too dry, add a little more water from the pasta pot.

4. Finishing the dish

When the wild garlic sauce becomes smooth, add the cooked pasta to the pan. Mix well to combine all the flavors. Let it sauté together for 1-2 minutes, until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.

5. Preparing the egg

Meanwhile, peel the boiled egg and cut it in half lengthwise, then each half into 3 slices. The boiled egg adds extra protein and an aesthetic touch to the dish.

6. Serving

Transfer the pasta with wild garlic to a serving plate. Place the slices of boiled egg on top, in the center of the plate, to create a beautiful color contrast. You can sprinkle a little freshly ground pepper for added flavor.

Serving suggestions

These penne with wild garlic paste and boiled egg pair perfectly with a fresh green salad or a light tomato sauce. Additionally, a glass of dry white wine will complement this dish and highlight the delicate flavors of the wild garlic.

Possible variations

To add a touch of originality, you can replace the egg with crumbled feta cheese or grated parmesan for a more intense flavor. You can also experiment with different types of pasta — spaghetti or tagliatelle will be just as delicious.

Nutritional benefits

This recipe is not only tasty but also healthy. Wild garlic is rich in vitamins (A, C, and K) and essential minerals, having antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Eggs are an excellent source of quality protein, vitamins B and D, thus contributing to a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use fresh wild garlic instead of wild garlic paste?
Yes, you can use fresh wild garlic that you finely chop and add to the pan. It is recommended to add it in the last minutes of cooking to preserve its aroma.

2. How can I store fresh wild garlic?
Wild garlic can be stored in the refrigerator in a damp towel or in a perforated bag for a few days. You can also freeze it, but the aroma will diminish slightly.

3. What other types of pasta can I use?
You can experiment with any type of pasta, such as fusilli or farfalle. Choose the shapes you like the most!

Enjoy cooking! This recipe for penne with wild garlic paste and boiled egg will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a touch of freshness to your meals. Savor every bite and enjoy the flavors of spring!