Preheat the oven to 200°C (top and bottom heat). Wash the Hokkaido pumpkin thoroughly under running water. Since its skin is edible, you don't need to peel it. Using a sharp, large knife, cut the pumpkin in half from the stem to the base. Be careful, the pumpkin is hard, so do this slowly and steadily. Use a large spoon to scoop out the seeds and fibrous flesh from the inside. Then, cut the pumpkin halves into smaller, even pieces, for example, into cubes about 2-3 cm on each side.
Description
This is the essence of autumn captured on a plate. A velvety, naturally sweet sauce made from roasted Hokkaido pumpkin envelops each ribbon of tagliatelle pasta, creating a dish with an incredibly creamy texture without a gram of cream added. Aromatic sage, sautéed in olive oil, releases its earthy, slightly peppery aroma, which pairs perfectly with the pumpkin. The counterpoint to this mildness is the intensely salty and crispy prosciutto, which transforms into delicious 'chips' when toasted in a pan. The dish is completed with toasted walnuts, adding a pleasant crunch and depth of flavor, and grated Pecorino Romano cheese, which brings a sharp, salty finish. The dish is not only delicious but also beautiful – its warm, orange hue evokes golden leaves and autumn sunshine. Perfect for an elegant dinner or as a comforting meal on a chilly day.
Ingredients (12)
- Tagliatelle pasta 400 g
- Hokkaido pumpkin 600 g
- Parma ham (prosciutto di parma) 100 g
- Garlic 2 ząbki
- Fresh sage 0.5 pęczek
- Extra virgin olive oil 0.2 łyżek
- Pecorino Romano cheese 50 g
- Walnuts 50 g
- 🌿 Przyprawy
- Salt 0.2 szczypt
- Pieprz czarny świeżo mielony 2 szczypty
- ✨ Opcjonalne
- Chili flakes 1 szczypta
- Nutmeg 2 szczypty
💡 Kliknij na składnik aby oznaczyć jako użyty
Preparation steps
Preparing the pumpkin
Transfer the chopped pumpkin to a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Peel the garlic and lightly crush it with the flat side of a knife to release its aroma - you don't need to chop it. Tear the sage leaves from the stems. Scatter the garlic cloves and about half of the sage leaves on the baking sheet with the pumpkin. Drizzle everything with two tablespoons of olive oil, sprinkle with salt and freshly ground pepper. Use your hands to thoroughly mix everything on the sheet, ensuring that each piece of pumpkin is coated with oil and seasonings.
Place the baking tray with the pumpkin in the preheated oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes. The pumpkin is ready when it becomes soft and can be easily pierced with a fork, and its edges start to caramelize and brown slightly. The roasted garlic should also be very soft.
Remove the baking tray from the oven and let the pumpkin cool slightly for a few minutes. Then transfer all the contents of the tray – the roasted pumpkin, soft garlic, and sage leaves – to a blender or a tall container. Blend everything into a smooth, velvety purée. If the purée is too thick, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of hot water or broth to achieve the desired consistency. Season to taste with salt and pepper. If using, add a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg now.
Preparation of toppings and pasta
In a dry, cold skillet (preferably non-stick), place the walnuts. Heat over medium power, shaking the skillet often or stirring with a wooden spoon. Toast the nuts for 3-4 minutes, until they start to smell intense and lightly brown. Be careful not to burn them. Once done, immediately transfer the nuts to a plate and set aside to cool, then chop coarsely with a knife.
In the same pan, heat the remaining tablespoon of oil. Arrange the slices of prosciutto in a single layer. Fry over medium heat for about 1-2 minutes on each side, until they become crispy and slightly browned. Be careful not to burn them. Remove the crispy slices to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb the excess fat. In the same pan, in the remaining fat, sauté the remaining sage leaves for 30 seconds, until they become crispy. Set them aside.
In a large pot (minimum 4 liters), bring a large amount of water (about 3-4 liters) to a boil. When the water is boiling, add a generous handful of salt (about 1 tablespoon). The water should be as salty as the sea. Add the tagliatelle pasta and cook according to the package instructions, but for 1-2 minutes less, so it is 'al dente' (slightly firm in the center). Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1-2 cups (250-500 ml) of the cooking water. This is crucial for making the sauce.
Combining the dish
In a large, deep skillet (the same one you used to fry the prosciutto), place the prepared pumpkin purée. Heat it over medium heat. Gradually, ladle by ladle, add the reserved pasta cooking water, stirring constantly, until you achieve the consistency of a smooth, flowing sauce. You should use about 150-200 ml of water. The sauce should be thin enough to coat the pasta.
Drain the hot pasta and transfer it directly to the pan with the pumpkin sauce. Add grated Pecorino cheese (leaving some for sprinkling on top). Stir everything vigorously for about 1-2 minutes over low heat, using kitchen tongs or two forks. This motion (called 'mantecatura') will cause the starch from the pasta and water to combine with the sauce and cheese, creating an emulsion and a creamy coating on each pasta ribbon. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more pasta water. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and optionally chili flakes.
Immediately divide the cooked pasta onto four warmed plates. Top each portion with crumbled, crispy prosciutto. Sprinkle with coarsely chopped, toasted walnuts, reserved crispy sage leaves, and an extra serving of freshly grated Pecorino cheese. Serve right away while the dish is hot and creamy.
Fun Fact
Dishes that combine pumpkin with pasta, like the famous 'tortelli di zucca', have their roots in the cuisine of northern Italy, especially in the regions of Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna. Pumpkin was a popular, inexpensive ingredient there, and its sweetness perfectly balanced salty cheeses and cured meats, creating classic autumn flavor combinations that are still appreciated today.
Best for
Tips
Serve the dish immediately after preparation, on deep, warmed plates. For added aroma, you can drizzle each portion with a bit of high-quality olive oil or melted sage butter. The dish pairs perfectly with a light, crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Soave.
Leftover dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It's best to reheat it in a pan, adding a little water, milk, or broth to restore the sauce's creamy consistency. Remember that crispy prosciutto will lose its texture after being stored in the refrigerator, so it's best to eat it right away.
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