Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Pasta with Pumpkin & Speck: A Warming Autumn Hug with Sicilian Flair
Discover the comforting charm of Sicilian-style pasta with seasonal pumpkin and local cheese, rich and creamy with lovely autumnal flavours.
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ 350 g caserecce or any short Sicilian pasta
- ✓ 250 g peeled Sicilian pumpkin
- ✓ 150 g diced speck
- ✓ 1/2 red onion from Giarratana
- ✓ 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- ✓ extra virgin olive oil, to taste
- ✓ salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ✓ 40 g grated Sicilian pecorino cheese
- ✓ 50 ml pasta cooking water or vegetable stock
📊 Nutritional Information
If you’re after a quick but flavour-packed dish, this Sicilian pumpkin and speck pasta ticks all the boxes. The natural sweetness of the pumpkin pairs beautifully with the boldness of speck and the creamy touch of cheese for an irresistible autumnal cuddle on your plate.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Cut the pumpkin into roughly 1 cm cubes and finely chop the onion.
- 2
In a large frying pan, warm a drizzle of olive oil, then gently soften the onion and thyme over a low heat.
- 3
Add the pumpkin and cook on a medium heat for 10-15 minutes, adding a splash of water or stock to help soften it through.
- 4
Season with salt and pepper, then lightly mash some of the pumpkin to create a lovely creamy texture.
- 5
In another pan, crisp up the speck without any oil until golden and crunchy, then combine it with the pumpkin.
- 6
Cook the pasta in plenty of salted boiling water until just al dente, then drain.
- 7
Toss the pasta in the pan with the pumpkin and speck, adding a little of the reserved cooking water to bring everything together.
- 8
Finish with the grated pecorino and a dusting of black pepper.
💡 Tips and Variations
Swap the thyme for rosemary or sage if you’d like a more pronounced herbaceous note. For an even creamier finish, stir through a spoonful of fresh ricotta or a dash of plant-based cream just before serving.
📦 Storage
- • Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- • Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of olive oil or a little water to loosen it up.
- • Avoid freezing as this can alter the delicate texture of the pumpkin.
- • Best served hot, straight from the pan.
🍷 Pairing
Enjoy with a glass of Sicilian Chardonnay or Grillo; their crispness beautifully balances the pumpkin's sweetness and the savouriness of the speck.
Give this hearty, comforting dish a go at home — it’s perfect for chilly evenings and effortless entertaining alike. Sharing a plate of this Sicilian-inspired pasta with your nearest and dearest will surely bring warmth and smiles to your table. Do let me know how you get on and feel free to pass it around as a new family favourite!
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