Tag Archive for 'pancetta'

Pancetta Parmesan Lentils with Smoked Paprika Oil

Published by mel on July 8, 2009 in entree, recipe and sides & bites.

Pancetta Parmesan Lentils with Smoked Paprika Oil

I live off of lentils. For someone who’s often too busy, too tired or too lazy to soak beans overnight, lentils are the perfect option. No overnight soaking and they cook up in just a half an hour. Not to mention that they’re some of the healthiest food around. Full good things like protein, fiber, iron and vitamins. They’re a veritable powerhouse of awesome.

And what better to pair this health food with than cured pork, aged cheese and flavored oil? Like bacon, everything is better with pancetta. It gives the lentils a subtle porky flavor. Onions and garlic add aroma. Lemon and sherry vinegar give the lentils a bite. Shaved Parmesan cheese and smoked paprika oil lend them a richness that balances everything out and makes this a meal. These lentils are hearty, deeply flavorful and delicious. One of my favorite quick lunches.

If your lentil experience is limited to soup, give these a try. You’ll be singing the praises of the lowly lentil in no time.

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Butternut Squash Farro w/Pancetta and Cardamom Pecans

Published by mel on October 30, 2008 in entree, recipe and sides & bites.

Butternut Squash Farro w/Pancetta and Cardamom Pecans

I think I may have a problem. I’m completely and totally obsessed with Fall ingredients. Pumpkin, squash, sage, pecans, cranberries, cinnamon, cardamom and anything “smoky”, but especially smoked paprika. There’s just something about smoked paprika that brings out the pumpkness of pumpkin and the squashiness of squash. But I digress…

I had planned on making a fall-flavored farro risotto, which I’ve made before and love, but it turns out I was too lazy to stand and stir for 30 minutes (I opted for sitting on the couch sipping coffee instead). And honestly, the stirring just wasn’t necessary this time since pureed butternut squash gives the farro that creamy risotto-like consistency. It also didn’t hurt that I toasted the farro in rendered pancetta fat. Everything’s better toasted in rendered pancetta fat. Everything.

So, I cooked up my toasted farro in some white wine and chicken stock, then stirred in the butternut squash, smoked paprika and red pepper flakes. This farro goodness is topped with cardamom honey toasted pecans, sage and crumbled pancetta for a deliciously warm, smoky sweet bowl of comfort food.

I’d like to promise you a break from all of this fall food, but I don’t see an end in sight as I’m also slightly obsessed with planning our Thanksgiving menu with my mom, and I’ve got all of these autumnal recipes to test out. So, bear with me while I cook every squash and cranberry in sight.

Related:
Cornmeal & Cayenne Shrimp w/Cheddar Farro Risotto
Causage & Chard with Farro Risotto
Farro Salad w/Bacon & Cauliflower
Butternut Squash Beef Stroganoff
Autumn Turkey Pumpkin Lasagna
Homemade Cranberry Spice Granola Bars

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