Ingredients
- Extra virgin olive oil (EVO)
- 1 chopped onion
- 150 g of speck cut into cubes or thin slices
- 100 g fresh rocket
- 1 small glass of white wine
- 3 medium potatoes (about 600 g )
- Pasta cooking water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cavatelli (or other short pasta)
Instructions
- Preparation of the potato cream : Peel the potatoes and cut them into uniform cubes. Cook them in plenty of salted water until they become tender. Once cooked, drain them and mash them with a potato masher or a fork, gradually adding a little of the pasta cooking water to obtain a smooth and velvety cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Dressing preparation : In a large pan, heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until transparent and soft. Add the speck cut into cubes or thin slices and let it brown until crispy. Deglaze with the white wine and let the alcohol evaporate, allowing the flavors to blend.
- Cooking the pasta : Bring a pot of salted water to the boil. Cook the cavatelli according to the instructions on the package, until they reach an al dente consistency. Before draining the pasta, remember to keep a cup of the cooking water, useful for mixing the final dish.
- Assembling the dish : Once the cavatelli are drained , transfer them directly to the pan with the onion and speck sauce . Add the previously prepared potato cream and mix gently to combine all the ingredients. If the mixture is too thick, add a little of the pasta cooking water to reach the desired consistency. Finally, add the fresh rocket , mixing briefly to maintain its freshness and bright color.
- Service : Plate the cavatelli with speck, rocket and potato cream on individual plates. Finish with a drizzle of raw extra virgin olive oil and a light sprinkling of freshly ground pepper . For a finishing touch, you can add a grating of Parmigiano Reggiano or Pecorino Romano , if desired.
Notes
This dish represents a perfect balance between Italian culinary tradition and innovation, offering a gastronomic experience full of authentic and genuine flavors.
