Saffron Pappardelle Recipes

SAFFRON PAPPARDELLE

Steps:

• Put the saffron threads, sun dried tomatoes and thyme into a bowl with 1/4 cup boiling hot water. Soak for 30 minutes.
• Wash the shrimp and carefully remove and discard the shells, but leave the heads and tails intact. Pull the head from each squid and discard the quill. Cut the tentacles from the head and rinse under cold water. Pull off and discard the outer skin and cut the flesh into 1/4 inch rings. Cut the monkfish into 1" cubes. Set aside.
• Put the garlic, onions and fennel into a pan with the wine. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes until tender. Stir occassionally.
• Stir in the monkfish and the saffron mixture. Cover and cook 3 more mins, then stir in the shrimp and the squid. Cover and cook gently (do not overcook) for 1- 2 minutes.
• Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a large saucepan of boiling, salted water according to the instructions until just under el dente. Drain throughly.
• Divide the pasta among four serving dishes and top with the sauce, sprinkle with parsley and serve immediately.

PAPPARDELLE AND SHIITAKE MUSHROOMS IN SAFFRON CREAM SAUCE

Steps:

• Place a large stock pot (8-quart or larger) of lightly salted water over high heat, to bring to a boil for the pasta. In a large nonstick or well-seasoned saute pan over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and add mushroom slices. Saute until mushrooms are limp, about 2 minutes. Remove from pan with a slotted spoon, and set aside in a bowl.
• Add diced tomato to the pan. Saute until heated through, about 1 minute. Remove with a slotted spoon, and place in a bowl.
• Add 1/2 tablespoon of the remaining oil to the pan. Add yellow peppers, and saute until limp, about 3 minutes. Remove to a bowl. Add garlic to the pan and saute lightly; do not brown. Remove to bowl of peppers. Place pappardelle in pot of boiling water, and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes.
• While pasta is cooking, add remaining 1/2 tablespoon oil to the saute pan. Increase heat to medium-high, and add shrimp. Saute until shrimp are pink but not fully cooked, about 2 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon, and place in a bowl.
• Reduce heat under pan to medium, and add wine, fish stock or clam broth, chicken stock and any juices collected in the bowls of mushrooms, tomatoes, peppers and shrimp. Stir well with a wooden spoon, scraping the bottom of the pan. Add the cream and saffron, and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring, until sauce thickens and turns yellow from the saffron, about 3 minutes. Add the reserved vegetables and shrimp. Heat through, and add salt and pepper to taste. Add butter, if desired, and stir gently until it has melted. Add chives, reduce heat to very low, and cover pan.
• Drain pasta well, and transfer to a warm serving bowl. Add saffron cream sauce, and toss gently to mix well. Serve immediately.

PAPPARDELLE WITH PEAS AND ASPARAGUS IN ORANGE-SAFFRON SAUCE

Steps:

• Trim and cut the asparagus into 1 inch pieces.
• Chop the onion to your desired texture.
• Bring a large pot of water to boil and add the asparagus.
• Cook until crisp-tender, approximately 3-4 minutes.
• Remove the asparagus and set aside.
• Add the pappardelle to the boiling water and cook till al dente.
• While the pasta is cooking, set a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add saffron to the skillet and heat till the saffron is fragrant and brittle, approximately 30 seconds.
• Crush the saffron to a powder with the back of a wooden spoon.
• Add the butter to the pan, heat till melted.
• Add the onion and saute till translucent.
• Stir in peas and orange zest, cook about 2 minutes, till peas are tender.
• Add the orange juice and asparagus, cook till the asparagus is warmed through.
• Season to taste with salt.
• When the pasta is cooked, drain and toss with the asparagus mixture.
• Serve with the grated Parmesan cheese.