Chewy Whelk Angel Hair Pasta
A Unique Delicacy: Chewy Whelk Angel Hair Pasta Recipe
Tired of the same old pasta? Discover a truly special recipe where chewy whelks meet delicate angel hair pasta for an unforgettable culinary experience. Bring a touch of restaurant elegance to your home kitchen.
Ingredients
- Angel hair pasta, for 2 servings (approx. 160-200g)
- 1 can of whelks (approx. 150g, with a little of the brine)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced or minced
- Red chili flakes (peperoncino) to taste (about 2-3 pieces)
- Pinch of coarse salt (for boiling pasta)
- Pinch of dried parsley (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, generously seasoned with coarse salt. Add the angel hair pasta and cook for 1 minute less than the package instructions recommend. This slight undercooking is key as the pasta will finish cooking in the pan. Once cooked, drain the pasta without rinsing it under cold water. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water (pasta water), as this starchy liquid is crucial for creating a silky sauce.
Step 2
Drain the whelks from their can, reserving a little of the liquid if desired for extra flavor. Cut the whelks into bite-sized pieces (about 2-3 per whelk). If you’re concerned about any fishy taste, you can quickly blanch them in boiling water before cutting. Prepare the garlic by peeling and thinly slicing it, or mince it if you prefer. For the peperoncino (dried chilies), break them in half to release their heat and flavor; adjust the quantity according to your spice preference.
Step 3
Now, let’s start cooking the pasta! Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the olive oil, then add the sliced garlic and broken peperoncino. Sauté gently until the garlic is fragrant and turns a light golden brown, and the chili releases its aroma. Be careful not to burn the garlic, adjusting the heat as needed. The enticing aroma of garlic and chili will whet your appetite.
Step 4
Once the garlic is nicely softened and fragrant, add the prepared whelks to the skillet. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, allowing the whelks to mingle with the garlic, chili, and olive oil. Avoid overcooking the whelks, as they can become tough.
Step 5
Add the al dente angel hair pasta to the skillet with the whelks and garlic. Gradually add 1-2 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water at a time, tossing everything together to coat the pasta and create a light sauce. The pasta water will help emulsify the oil and create a cohesive sauce that clings beautifully to the noodles. Taste and season with a pinch of salt if needed. Finally, sprinkle with dried parsley for a touch of color and herbaceousness.
Step 6
Behold your delicious Chewy Whelk Angel Hair Pasta! This dish offers a delightful combination of tender pasta and satisfyingly chewy whelks, with a flavor profile that’s both savory and subtly spicy, reminiscent of a delightful aglio e olio with a unique twist.
Step 7
Using delicate angel hair pasta gives this dish a texture that’s reminiscent of a pasta version of ‘whelk noodles’ (a popular Korean dish), adding another layer of enjoyable texture and comparison.
Step 8
Add a touch of extraordinary to your everyday meals with this flavorful Whelk Pasta! Create a special, delicious dish with simple ingredients and make your weekend meals truly memorable. 😀
