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March 11, 2010

golden-egg-noodles-with-creme-fraiche-and-fresh-herbs
Golden Egg Noodles with Crème Fraîche and Fresh Herbs
Served with sauteed cabbage with garlic
Serves 4
Prep time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Adapted from The Modern Vegetarian Kitchen by Peter Berley

    Shopping List

  • 1 green (preferably Savoy) cabbage (1-1/2 lbs.)
  • 1 lemon, preferably organic
  • 1 bunch flat-leaf (Italian) parsley
  • 1 bunch cilantro
  • 1 bunch chives
  • 1 cup crème fraîche or make your own
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano
  • 1 lb. fresh egg fettucini or, make your own

    Pantry Items

  • Black pepper
  • Extra-virgin olive oil
  • 5 garlic cloves
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Sea salt
  • Unsalted butter

    Game Plan:

  • When you walk in the door
    • Fill the pasta pot 2/3 with water, add 2 tbsps. salt and put over high heat
    • Get out Pantry Items
    • Get out Tools
    • Assemble the ingredients
    • Open the wine and refrigerate it
  • Prep
    • Cut the cabbage in quarters.  Cut out the heart.  Cut the leaves into 1/2-inch wide strips.
    • Peel and finely chop 1 clove garlic.
    • Peel and cut 4 garlic cloves into thin slices.
    • Zest the lemon until you have ½ tsp. zest.  Cover the zest with a bowl so the flavor doesn’t evaporate.
    • Cut the un-zested part of the lemon into wedges.
    • Rinse and pat dry the parsley and the cilantro.  Pluck 1 cup leaves from each.
    • Fill a large bowl two-thirds full of ice water.
  • Start Cooking
    • When the water boils, add the cabbage and cook just until it is bright green and slightly softened, 3-4 minutes.
    • Transfer the cabbage to the ice water to stop the cooking.  When the cabbage is cold, drain it.
    • Return the water to a boil.
    • Get someone to set the table and pour yourself a glass of wine.
    • Time to make the pasta sauce.  Mince the parsley and the cilantro.  Using scissors, snip 1 tbsp. chives.
    • Put 2 tbsps. butter into the nonstick fry pan over medium heat.  Add the 1 finely chopped garlic clove and sauté for 1 minute.  Add the herbs and the lemon zest.  Sauté for 30 seconds, then stir in the crème fraîche.  Salt and pepper to taste.  Bring the sauce to a boil, then immediately remove from the heat.
    • Heat 2 tbsps. olive oil in the heavy skillet over medium heat.  Add the thinly sliced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute, or until pale gold.  Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes (if you like your food a little spicy), the cabbage, and 1-2 tbsps. water. Season with salt, cover, and cook for 3-4 minutes.
    • While the cabbage finishes cooking, put the pasta in the boiling water and stir.  After about 3 minutes, when it floats to the surface, it will be cooked.  Drain it.
    • Return the skillet with the pasta sauce to medium heat.  Add the pasta and toss to coat.  Add the Parmigiano, toss again.
    • Transfer the cabbage to a serving dish and garnish with the lemon wedges. Divide the pasta among four plates.  Dinner is ready, you can take it to the table.  Don’t forget the wine!
  • Wow Peter, that was fast, let’s eat!

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