Fettuccine with Walnuts, Zucchini Ribbons, and Pecorino Romano

Summary

Yield
6 Servings
Source

http://goo.gl/Umjpk

Prep time15 minutes

Description

An easy recipe with great combination of flavors and texture.

Ingredients

2 1⁄2lbzucchini (untrimmed)
1tcoarse kosher salt
2clvgarlic (pressed)
1tbspanchovy fillets (minced)
1⁄2tdried crushed red pepper
1lbfettuccine
1⁄3cextra-virgin olive oil (use additional for serving)
3⁄4cwalnuts (toasted, coarsely chopped)
1cfreshly grated pecorino cheese (divided)
1⁄2cpacked, thinly sliced fresh basil
1⁄4cchopped fresh mint

Instructions

 

Place 1 zucchini on work surface. Using vegetable peeler and firmly holding zucchini by stem end, shave zucchini lengthwise into long ribbons. Discard scraps. Repeat with remaining zucchini. Place ribbons (about 10 cups total) in large colander set over large bowl; sprinkle with 1 teaspoon fleur de sel or kosher salt. Let stand 30 minutes. Rinse zucchini under cold running water; drain well. Spread on 2 large kitchen towels; roll up in towels to absorb excess water. Set aside.

 

Combine garlic, anchovy fillets, and crushed red pepper in very large serving bowl. Using pestle or wooden spoon, crush mixture until paste forms.

 

Cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water until just tender but still firm to bite. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup cooking liquid. Transfer pasta to bowl with garlic mixture. Add 1/3 cup oil and 1/4 cup reserved cooking liquid; toss. Add zucchini, walnuts, 1/2 cup cheese, basil, and mint; toss. Season with salt and pepper, adding more pasta cooking liquid if mixture is dry. Drizzle with additional oil. Sprinkle with zucchini flowers, if desired. Serve with remaining cheese.