Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, Batman and Robin, Bert and Ernie. Some things were born to go better together. There are certain culinary marriages that endure the slings and arrows of foodie fashion and this dish is a testament to one such union. Marrying a time-honoured mixture of fresh peas, mint and pancetta this recipe spins a classic combination into a light, summery ensemble. It’s quick to make and perfect with a glass of something cold and bubbly.
Boxes and ingredients are packed in facilities that handles Peanut, Nuts, Sesame, Fish, Crustaceans, Milk, Egg, Mustard, Celery, Soya, Gluten and Sulphites. Due to the war in Ukraine, it has been necessary to substitute sunflower oil with rapeseed oil in some products without a label change. The FSA have advised that allergic reactions to rapeseed oil are rare.
½
Mint
2
Garlic Clove
200
Wheat Penne Pasta
(Contains Cereals containing gluten)
2
Pine Nuts
1
British Smoked Bacon Lardons
1
Peas
1
Creme Fraiche
(Contains Milk)
½
Vegetable Stock Pot
(Contains Celery, Sulphites)
2
Parmesan Cheese
(Contains Milk)
Bring a large pot of water to the boil. Roughly chop the mint leaves. Place the flat side of a large knife on the garlic and press down firmly. Peel off the skin and finely chop.
Cook the penne in the boiling water for 10 mins with a pinch of salt. Tip: Reserve some of the pasta water before you drain it, you might need it later on!
Brown off the pine nuts in a non-stick frying pan on medium-high heat. Tip: They should take a few mins to start browning but watch them like a hawk as they can burn really easily. Once toasted take them out of the pan and keep them for later.
Heat a small splash of olive oil in the same pan on medium-high heat. Cook the pancetta until it goes crispy around the edges.
Add in the peas and continue to cook for 5 mins. Add in your garlic and fry for a further minute.
Now add a splash of water from your pasta to the pan with your peas and pancetta. Cook for 1 minute before stirring in the crème fraîche together with the vegetable stock pot and a few good grinds of black pepper.
By now your pasta should be ready. Drain it and mix into your sauce together with your chopped mint.
Plate up your pasta, grate the parmesan over the top and sprinkle over your pine nuts. Tuck in and enjoy!