Thursday, April 14, 2011

winter market pasta

aka the winter version of one of my favorites


another one of my favorite ingredients: turkey sausage. more specifically, dipaolo's hot turkey sausage (available at nyc farmers markets). throw it together with pasta and practically any veggie(s) and you get one of my ultimate comfort foods.

this particular day, i also decided to combat one of my new food appreciations: brussel sprouts. which also meant the first time i have ever actually cooked them. i know (gasp! horror! i know!) i might have to blame this one on my mom (hi, mom!) since she hates the little buggers. right? but given the right cooking method, brussels sprouts crisp up beautifully and will take on the magic of many flavors.

i wanted to throw them in with some other winter veggies, which ended up being fennel and leeks. it seems as though we've finally made it to spring weather wise but the veggies are still in winter mode.

winter market pasta

  • 1/2 lb brussel sprouts, trimmed and halved
  • 3 large cloves garlic, chopped
  • 2 shallots, chopped
  • 1/2 bulb fennel, quartered then thinly sliced
  • 1 large leek, trimmed, halved and sliced
  • olive oil
  • salt and pepper
  • red chili flakes
  • juice from 1 lemon
  • parmesean cheese, grated
  • parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 lb turkey sausage
  • 1/2 lb pasta (i went with fusilli)
  • splash of white wine and/or chicken broth
  • toss brussel sprouts with some olive oil, salt, pepper and a little chopped garlic. roast at 400 for 25 minutes, or until crispy and just cooked through.
  • while the sprouts are roasting, heat olive oil, garlic and shallots in a large skillet. add fennel, leeks and cook until everything until it begins to soften. add sausage and break up in the pan. cook until turkey is cooked through and veggies are softened. add a generous splash of white wine and/or chicken stock and stir.
  • while veggies and turkey are cooking, heat a pot of water and cook pasta.
  • when everything is cooked, throw together in the pan. add parsley, red chili flakes, cheese, lemon juice and stir.

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