Fiddleheads and pasta is a delicious and unique dish that combines the delicate flavor of fiddleheads with the hearty texture of pasta. Fiddleheads are the furled fronds of ferns, and they have a slightly sweet and nutty flavor. When cooked, they have a tender-crisp texture that pairs well with the softness of pasta. This dish is also a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables, as fiddleheads are packed with nutrients like vitamins A, C, and K. Whether you're looking for a light lunch or a hearty dinner, fiddleheads and pasta is a dish that will please everyone at the table.
Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!
PASTA SALAD WITH FIDDLEHEADS, BACON, AND SUN-DRIED TOMATOES
A great way to use fiddlehead ferns. A very tasty late-spring salad. If you can't get fiddleheads you can always use green beans. This salad is great for a BBQ, picnic, or potluck!
Provided by Shannon O'Keefe
Categories Salad 100+ Pasta Salad Recipes Cucumber Pasta Salad Recipes
Time 40m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the fusilli at a boil until tender yet firm to the bite, about 12 minutes; drain. Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil into drained pasta; stir to coat.
- Bring a saucepan of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the fiddlehead ferns at a boil until tender, 3 to 5 minutes; drain. Rinse the fiddleheads in cold water to stop from further cooking; drain.
- Cook bacon in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat until crisp, about 10 minutes. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Crumble the bacon once cool enough to handle.
- Toss the pasta, fiddlehead ferns, crumbled bacon, and cucumber together in a large bowl.
- Combine sun-dried tomatoes, egg yolk, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and garlic in a bowl. Stream about 1/3 of the vegetable oil into the mixture while whisking vigorously until the mixture begins to emulsify. Stream the remainder of the olive oil into the dressing while whisking; season with salt and pepper.
- Pour the dressing onto the pasta mixture; stir to coat.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 749.7 calories, Carbohydrate 107.3 g, Cholesterol 29.3 mg, Fat 27.7 g, Fiber 5.4 g, Protein 22.1 g, SaturatedFat 4.3 g, Sodium 224.2 mg, Sugar 6.6 g
WHOLE WHEAT PASTA WITH SMOKED CLAMS AND FIDDLEHEADS
Fiddleheads give this dish nice texture and lots of visual appeal. Make sure to boil them a minimum of 10 minutes, as there is a history of undercooked fiddleheads leading to unpleasant endings to an otherwise nice evening. The smoked clams add a unique flavor.
Provided by donnacim
Categories Main Dish Recipes Seafood Main Dish Recipes Clams
Time 35m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Place the fiddleheads into a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until tender, about 15 minutes. The water will turn brown. Drain, and set aside.
- While the fiddleheads are boiling, fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, stir in the spaghetti, and return to a boil. Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta has cooked through, but is still firm to the bite, about 12 minutes. Drain well in a colander set in the sink.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook and stir the garlic until fragrant, then stir in the smoked clams. Stir in the drained fiddleheads, white wine, and salt. Cook until heated through, about 5 minutes. Toss with spaghetti, and serve with Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 374.8 calories, Carbohydrate 42 g, Cholesterol 25.7 mg, Fat 15.6 g, Fiber 6.4 g, Protein 18.8 g, SaturatedFat 3.2 g, Sodium 407.7 mg, Sugar 2.1 g
FIDDLEHEADS AND PASTA
This is fiddlehead season in our part of Maine, so the *Bangor Daily News* published the following recipe, making delightful use of our little ferny friend. The meatiness of the 'shrooms, the combo of butter and olive oil in the saute pan, a goodly quantity of garlic, all combine to produce a toothsome meal. If you can't get fiddleheads, the next closest alternative would be asparagus.
Provided by lecole54
Categories Spaghetti
Time 30m
Yield 3-4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Clean the fiddleheads and trim the brown stem end. Put into enough water to barely cover and simmer for about 10 minutes or until they are tender. Drain and set aside.
- Chop the portobellos coarsely. Heat the oil and butter in a saute pan and add the garlic and cook it briefly. Add the mushrooms and, when they are tender, add the fiddleheads and heat through. Toss with the pasta and serve with grated cheese on top.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 470.4, Fat 18.3, SaturatedFat 6.3, Cholesterol 20.4, Sodium 78.5, Carbohydrate 63.8, Fiber 3.2, Sugar 3.5, Protein 14.7
Tips:
- Only use fresh fiddleheads that are tightly coiled and have a vibrant green color. Avoid any that are unfurling or have a slimy texture. - To clean fiddleheads, rinse them thoroughly under cold water and trim off the tough ends. Then, blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes or until they turn bright green. Immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process and preserve their color. - Fiddleheads have a slightly bitter taste, so it's important to cook them properly to remove the bitterness. Sautéing, stir-frying, or roasting are all good methods for cooking fiddleheads. - Fiddleheads are a versatile ingredient that can be added to a variety of dishes. They can be used in salads, soups, pasta dishes, and even omelets. - When storing fiddleheads, keep them in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 6 months. To freeze fiddleheads, blanch them first, then drain and pat them dry. Place them in a freezer-safe bag and freeze.Conclusion:
Fiddleheads are a delicious and nutritious spring vegetable that can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes. With their unique flavor and texture, fiddleheads add a touch of elegance to any meal. Whether you're sautéing them, stir-frying them, or roasting them, fiddleheads are sure to please your taste buds. So, next time you see fiddleheads at the market, be sure to pick up a bunch and experiment with this wonderful ingredient.
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