Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Tagliatelle with Ricotta, Ham and Oranges: A Burst of Mediterranean Flavours
Discover this delightful twist on tagliatelle, combining creamy ricotta, savoury ham, and zesty oranges for a truly memorable first course.
📖 What is it
Discover this delightful twist on tagliatelle, combining creamy ricotta, savoury ham, and zesty oranges for a truly memorable first course.
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ 320g tagliatelle
- ✓ 100g cured ham
- ✓ 3 heaped tablespoons sheep’s ricotta
- ✓ 100ml brandy
- ✓ 50g butter
- ✓ 2 oranges
- ✓ extra virgin olive oil
- ✓ salt
- ✓ freshly ground black pepper
📊 Nutritional Information
Step into the heart of Sicily with these tagliatelle, enriched by the sweet brightness of citrus, the gentle creaminess of sheep’s ricotta, and the salty depth of cured ham. This dish tells a story of sun-kissed lands and cherished traditions, perfect for celebrating special moments with family and friends during the orange season.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Slice the cured ham into thin strips and gently fry in a pan with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
- 2
In a separate pan, melt the butter and add the zest and strained juice of one orange.
- 3
Simmer gently for five minutes, then pour in the brandy and let it bubble away over a high heat until the alcohol evaporates.
- 4
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- 5
Cook the tagliatelle in plenty of lightly salted boiling water.
- 6
In a large bowl, loosen the ricotta with half a ladle of the pasta cooking water, then stir in the fried ham.
- 7
Drain the pasta when just al dente and toss it through the sauce in the bowl.
- 8
Serve the tagliatelle garnished with finely grated orange zest.
💡 Tips and Variations
- •
For a bit of a kick, add a touch of fresh chilli to the orange cream.
- •
If you prefer a silkier texture, increase the amount of ricotta and blend well with a splash of extra virgin olive oil.
- •
Try wholewheat or durum wheat tagliatelle for a heartier, rustic feel.
- •
For a vegetarian option, swap the ham for sautéed mushrooms or grilled aubergines, keeping the ricotta and orange for a balanced flavour.
- •
To enhance the umami, sprinkle some finely grated aged pecorino just before serving.
- •
For a gluten-free version, choose rice or corn tagliatelle and ensure the ricotta is certified gluten-free.
- •
The magic of this recipe lies in the harmony between the fresh citrus and creamy ricotta, celebrating the simple pleasures of Sicilian cooking.
📦 Storage
- • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within 24 hours to preserve the flavours and freshness.
- • Reheat gently in a pan with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to bring back the creaminess and aroma.
- • Avoid freezing, as this can affect the texture of the ricotta and the freshness of the citrus.
🍷 Pairing
Pair this dish with a Sicilian white wine like Grillo from the Contea di Sclafani, crisp and savoury, best served chilled at around 8°C. Alternatively, a young Catarratto or a Ligurian Vermentino will complement the citrus notes beautifully. For an international twist, a vibrant New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc with lively acidity works wonderfully alongside the creamy, sweet flavours.
Making these tagliatelle with ricotta, ham and oranges is like bringing a slice of Sicily right to your table — full of authentic flavours and heartfelt tradition. I warmly encourage you to give this recipe a go, savour its perfect balance, and share the joy with your loved ones. Don’t forget to spread the love on social media and let others discover the delicious story behind this sunny dish.
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