Lemon-Pepper Linguine with Roasted Romanesco, Almonds & Capers
Seasonal romanesco is first roasted in the oven, then added to this luxurious pasta main.
Ingredients:
1 pound lemon-pepper linguine
¼ cup chopped almonds
¼ cup plus 3 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling
2 tablespoons drained capers, patted dry, divided
½ medium romanesco, cored, cut into small florets
8 garlic cloves, very thinly sliced
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, plus more for serving
½ cup dry white wine
¼ cup Grana-styled cheese, grated
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Sea salt
Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 425°. Cook almonds, ¼ cup oil, and 1 tablespoon of the capers in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, swirling pan occasionally, until capers burst and almonds are golden brown and smell toasty, about 5 minutes. Transfer almonds and capers with a slotted spoon to a small bowl; season with salt. Let cool. Toss romanesco with oil from saucepan on a rimmed baking sheet; season with salt. Roast, tossing halfway through, until golden brown and tender, 20–25 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, heat 3 tablespoons oil in a large Dutch oven or other heavy pot over medium-high. Add garlic, ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, and remaining capers and cook, stirring often, until garlic is golden, about 3 minutes. Add wine and cook until liquid is almost completely evaporated, about 2 minutes.
3. Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until very al dente. Using a spider or a slotted spoon, transfer pasta to pot with garlic; add 1 cup pasta cooking liquid. Reduce heat to medium and cook, tossing often, until liquid is slightly thickened, about 3 minutes. Add ¼ cup pasta cooking liquid, then gradually add cheese, tossing until melted and dissolved into a luxurious, glossy sauce. Remove from heat; add butter and toss to combine. Toss in romanesco. Divide pasta among bowls. Top with fried almonds and capers and more red pepper flakes and drizzle with oil.
Herbed Smoked Salmon Salad with Watercress
Serve this creamy salmon salad atop a bed of greens with sliced cucumber and tomatoes on the side.
Ingredients:
1 package smoked salmon (about 8 ounces), flaked
4 cups watercress, trimmed, washed and patted dry with a paper towel
½ cup crème fraîche
3 tablespoons chopped celery
3 tablespoons capers, drained and rinsed
¼ cup chopped tender herbs, such as chives, oregano and parsley
1 clove garlic, pressed
¼ cup olive oil
Sea salt and fresh ground pepper
Method:
1. In a small bowl, combine crème fraîche with garlic and olive oil and whisk to combine. Season generously with salt and pepper.
2. In another mixing bowl, combine smoked salmon, capers, celery and herbs. Toss with crème fraîche dressing.
3. Serve smoked salmon salad over a bed of watercress, with sliced tomatoes and cucumbers alongside.
Smoked Salmon Salad with Crème Fraîche & Arugula
Serve this creamy salmon salad atop a bed of greens with sliced cucumber and heirloom tomatoes on the side.
Ingredients:
1 package smoked salmon (about 8 ounces), flaked
4 cups arugula, washed and patted dry with a paper towel
½ cup crème fraîche
3 tablespoons chopped celery
3 tablespoons capers, drained and rinsed
1 clove garlic, pressed
¼ cup olive oil
Sea salt and fresh ground pepper
Method:
1. In a small bowl, combine crème fraîche with garlic and olive oil and whisk to combine. Season generously with salt and pepper.
2. In another mixing bowl, combine smoked salmon, capers and celery. Toss with crème fraîche dressing.
3. Serve smoked salmon salad over a bed of arugula, with sliced heirloom tomatoes and cucumbers alongside.
Tip: Drizzle tomatoes and cucumbers lightly with olive oil and fresh lemon juice, and sprinkle with sea salt and fresh ground pepper.
