Elevate Your Pasta Game with These 4 Ingredients

 

Elevate Your Pasta Game with These 4 Ingredients

Pasta is a staple in many cuisines, but it can get repetitive with the same old sauces and toppings. Dan Pashman, creator of the innovative pasta shape cascatelli, has teamed up with culinary experts to develop a cookbook that encourages home cooks to think outside the box when it comes to pasta. "Anything's Pastable: 81 Inventive Pasta Recipes for Saucy People" features a diverse range of ingredients and cuisines to inspire creativity in the kitchen.

Here are four ingredients to level up your pasta recipes:

1. Chili Crisp

This condiment is a game-changer for adding flavor and texture to your pasta dishes. Made with oil, chili peppers, and flavorings like soy sauce or garlic, chili crisp can be used in a variety of recipes, from cacio e pepe to ice cream. Look for brands like Lao Gan Ma, Fly by Jing, KariKari, or S&B Chili Oil with Crunchy Garlic.

2. Za'atar

This Middle Eastern seasoning mix is a versatile addition to many pasta recipes. Typically featuring ground sumac, thyme, sesame seeds, and sometimes marjoram, oregano, cumin, or coriander, za'atar adds depth and warmth to dishes like shakshuka and pasta pizzas.

3. Preserved Lemons

Common in North African cuisine, preserved lemons are a "punchy powerhouse" of flavor. Salty, sour, and citrusy, they can be used in place of regular lemons in recipes like crispy gnocchi salad with preserved lemon-tomato dressing or cavatelli with roasted artichokes and preserved lemon.

4. Ritz Crackers

Adding texture to pasta dishes can elevate them from bland to grand. Ritz Crackers can be used to make a crunchy pangrattato topping, similar to toasted breadcrumbs but with a buttery, flaky texture. Try it on cauliflower and beer cheese mac or any salad with ranch or Caesar dressing.

These ingredients can help you break out of your pasta rut and explore new flavors and textures. Get creative and enjoy the process of discovering your new favorite pasta recipes!