Discover the perfect balance of flavors in this delightful farfalle with bacon and endives recipe. With a blend of hearty bacon, delicate endives, and robust farfalle pasta, this dish delivers savory satisfaction. The addition of lemon zest and parmesan gives it a tangy twist that's sure to please the palate.
Photos of Farfalle with Bacon and Endives Recipe
This recipe calls for Belgian endives, a slightly bitter leafy vegetable that may not be commonly found in all homes. They are usually available in the produce section of supermarkets. When shopping, look for endives with tightly packed leaves and a fresh, crisp texture. The other unique ingredient is farfalle, which is a type of pasta also known as 'bow-tie pasta'. It can be found in the pasta aisle of most grocery stores.
Ingredients for Farfalle with Bacon and Endives
Chicken stock: A flavorful liquid made by boiling chicken bones and vegetables. It's used as a base for many dishes including soups, stews, and sauces.
Farfalle: Also known as 'bow-tie pasta', it's perfect for holding onto rich, creamy sauces.
Olive oil: This oil has a distinct taste and is used for cooking, frying, and even as a dressing.
Bacon: Adds a rich, smoky flavor to the dish. Using thickly sliced bacon will add a pleasant crunch.
Belgian endives: These leafy vegetables add a slightly bitter flavor, balancing out the richness of the other ingredients.
Garlic: A staple in cooking, garlic gives dishes a strong, pungent flavor.
Parsley: This herb lends a fresh, slightly peppery taste and a pop of green color.
Lemon zest: The outer peel of a lemon, used for adding a tangy flavor.
Parmesan cheese: A hard, granular cheese that has a sharp, complex fruity/nutty taste with a strong savory flavor and a slightly gritty texture.
Salt and pepper: Season to taste.
One reader, Druci Conway says:
This farfalle with bacon and endives recipe is a game-changer! The combination of crispy bacon and tender endives creates a burst of flavors that perfectly complement the pasta. The reduced chicken stock adds a rich depth, and the touch of lemon zest brightens the dish. It's a must-try for any pasta lover!
Key Techniques for Mastering Farfalle with Bacon and Endives
How to reduce chicken stock: Boil the chicken stock in a medium saucepan over high heat until it is reduced to 1 cup, which should take about 20 minutes.
How to cook farfalle al dente: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the farfalle until it is al dente.
How to cook bacon until slightly crisp: In a large, deep skillet, cook the bacon over moderately low heat until it is slightly crisp, which should take about 7 minutes.
How to wilt endives while keeping them crisp: Add the endives and garlic to the skillet and cook over moderately high heat, tossing, until the endives are just wilted but still crisp, about 4 minutes.
How to make ahead: The reduced stock can be refrigerated overnight.
How To Make Farfalle with Bacon and Endives
With this easy farfalle recipe, you’ll enjoy pasta with the savory crunch of endives in a flavorful broth with the refreshing notes of lemon zest.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1qtchicken stock,or low-sodium broth
- 1lbfarfalle
- 1tbspextra-virgin olive oil
- ½lbthickly sliced bacon
- 4medium Belgian endives
- 3large garlic cloves
- ¼cupflat-leaf parsley,coarsely chopped
- 1tspfinely grated lemon zest
- ¼cupParmesan cheese,freshly grated
- salt and freshly ground pepper
Instructions
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In a medium saucepan, boil the chicken stock over high heat for about 20 minutes until reduced to 1 cup.
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Meanwhile, in a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the farfalle until it is al dente.
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In a large, deep skillet, heat the olive oil. Add the bacon and cook over moderately low heat for about 7 minutes until slightly crisp.
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Transfer the bacon to paper towels to drain. Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of the fat.
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Add the endives and garlic to the skillet and cook over moderately high heat for about 4 minutes, tossing, until the endives are just wilted but still crisp.
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Drain the farfalle and add it to the skillet. Add the reduced chicken stock, parsley, lemon zest, and bacon, and toss well.
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Remove from the heat. Stir in the Parmesan and season the pasta with salt and pepper.
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Transfer to a large bowl and serve at once.
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Make-Ahead: The reduced stock can be refrigerated overnight
Nutrition
- Calories: 3318.54kcal
- Fat: 132.09g
- Saturated Fat: 42.62g
- Trans Fat: 0.30g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 58.65g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 21.08g
- Carbohydrates: 395.11g
- Fiber: 23.58g
- Sugar: 30.24g
- Protein: 129.19g
- Cholesterol: 203.77mg
- Sodium: 4513.46mg
- Calcium: 692.90mg
- Potassium: 3174.05mg
- Iron: 11.51mg
- Vitamin A: 178.40µg
- Vitamin C: 35.07mg
Pro Tip for Achieving Perfectly Cooked Bacon in This Recipe
When cooking the bacon, it's important to keep the heat moderately low to ensure it becomes slightly crisp without burning. The goal is to render the fat slowly, which will provide a depth of flavor to the dish. Additionally, when adding the endives and garlic to the skillet, be sure to toss them frequently. This will ensure they cook evenly and prevent them from becoming overly wilted. Remember, you want the endives to retain a bit of their crispness to add texture to the final dish.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Dish
Prep ahead: Chop and measure all ingredients before starting. This will streamline the cooking process and prevent last-minute scrambling.
Multitask: While the chicken stock is reducing, cook the farfalle and prepare the bacon and endives simultaneously to save time.
Organized workspace: Keep your cooking area clean and organized to avoid wasting time searching for utensils or ingredients.
Substitute Ingredients For Farfalle with Bacon and Endives Recipe
farfalle - Substitute with penne: Penne is a great substitute for farfalle as it has a similar shape and texture, and it holds sauces well.
chicken stock - Substitute with vegetable stock: Vegetable stock can be used as a substitute for chicken stock to make the dish vegetarian-friendly.
bacon - Substitute with pancetta: Pancetta is a good substitute for bacon as it has a similar salty and savory flavor, and it crisps up nicely when cooked.
Belgian endives - Substitute with radicchio: Radicchio can be used as a substitute for Belgian endives as it has a slightly bitter flavor and a similar crunchy texture when cooked.
flat-leaf parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro can be used as a substitute for flat-leaf parsley to add a fresh, herbaceous flavor to the dish.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino romano: Pecorino Romano can be used as a substitute for parmesan cheese as it has a similar salty and nutty flavor, and it grates well over pasta dishes.
Plating Ideas for a Stunning Presentation
Elevate the plating: When presenting the farfalle with bacon and endives, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Use a large, shallow bowl or a wide-rimmed plate to showcase the vibrant colors and textures of the dish.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley just before serving to add a pop of color and a touch of freshness. The vibrant green hues will contrast beautifully with the rich tones of the bacon and endives.
Incorporate texture: Consider adding a final touch of texture by grating a small amount of lemon zest over the top of the dish. This will not only enhance the visual appeal but also add a subtle citrus aroma to the overall presentation.
Emphasize balance: Arrange the farfalle, bacon, and endives in a way that showcases the balance of flavors and ingredients. Aim for a harmonious composition that highlights the savory, smoky notes of the bacon alongside the delicate bitterness of the endives.
Attention to detail: Pay close attention to the placement of each element on the plate. Ensure that the farfalle is evenly distributed, and the bacon and endives are artfully arranged to create a visually striking presentation that reflects precision and care.
Consider the vessel: Select a vessel that complements the rustic yet refined nature of the dish. A ceramic bowl or a minimalist plate can provide a sophisticated backdrop for the farfalle with bacon and endives, allowing the colors and textures to take center stage.
Highlight the parmesan: Just before serving, finely grate a dusting of parmesan cheese over the top of the dish. This will add a luxurious touch and elevate the visual appeal while hinting at the rich, umami flavors within the farfalle.
Embrace simplicity: Let the natural beauty of the dish shine through by embracing a minimalist approach to plating. Avoid overcrowding the plate and allow the individual components to speak for themselves.
Artful drizzling: Consider a subtle drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil over the plated farfalle to add a glossy sheen and a hint of fruity, peppery notes. This final touch can elevate the presentation and tie the elements together.
Precision in portioning: Pay attention to portion sizes, ensuring that each serving is carefully measured and presented with precision. Consistency in portioning reflects attention to detail and professionalism.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Farfalle with Bacon and Endives
Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a handle and a lid, typically used for making sauces or boiling liquids.
Pot: A deep round container used for cooking food, typically with a handle and a lid.
Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning foods.
Paper towels: Absorbent paper used for drying or cleaning foods.
Large bowl: A deep, wide container used for mixing ingredients or serving food.
Colander: A bowl-shaped kitchen utensil with perforations for draining liquids from food.
Grater: A kitchen tool with a rough surface used for shredding or grating foods.
Knife: A cutting tool with a sharp blade, used for slicing and chopping ingredients.
Cutting board: A flat board used for cutting and preparing food.
Tongs: A utensil with two arms and a pivot, used for picking up and holding food.
Measuring cup: A container used for measuring liquid or dry ingredients.
Spatula: A flat, flexible kitchen tool used for lifting, flipping, or spreading food.
Zester: A kitchen tool used for grating the outer peel of citrus fruits.
Cheese grater: A tool used for grating cheese into fine pieces.
Food processor: A kitchen appliance used for chopping, blending, or pureeing ingredients.
Mixing bowl: A bowl used for combining ingredients, typically in baking or cooking.
Whisk: A kitchen tool with a handle and wire loops, used for beating and mixing ingredients.
Ladle: A long-handled spoon with a deep bowl, used for serving soups or sauces.
Peeler: A tool used for removing the outer skin or peel of fruits and vegetables.
Grater: A kitchen tool with a rough surface used for shredding or grating foods.
Storage and Freezing Guidelines for Farfalle with Bacon and Endives
Let the farfalle with bacon and endives cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent the pasta from becoming soggy and the endives from wilting further.
To store in the refrigerator, place the cooled pasta in an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days. When ready to serve, reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of water or chicken stock to loosen the sauce.
For longer storage, you can freeze the farfalle with bacon and endives. Transfer the cooled pasta to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Press out as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn. Label the container with the date and contents.
Frozen farfalle with bacon and endives will keep well for up to 2-3 months. When ready to serve, thaw the pasta overnight in the refrigerator.
To reheat frozen farfalle with bacon and endives, place the thawed pasta in a skillet over medium heat. Stir gently until warmed through, adding a splash of water or chicken stock if needed to loosen the sauce. You may also need to add a pinch of salt and pepper to refresh the flavors.
Note: The texture of the endives may change slightly after freezing and thawing, becoming softer and less crisp. However, the overall flavor of the dish should remain delicious.
How To Reheat Leftover Farfalle with Bacon and Endives
To reheat leftover farfalle with bacon and endives, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gentle heat will help to warm the pasta without drying it out or making it rubbery.
Place the leftover pasta in an oven-safe dish and add a splash of chicken stock or water to help keep it moist. Cover the dish with foil to prevent the pasta from drying out during the reheating process.
Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and let it warm for about 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is heated through. The exact time will depend on the amount of pasta you're reheating and the depth of your dish.
Alternatively, you can reheat the pasta on the stovetop. Transfer the leftovers to a large skillet or saucepan and add a splash of chicken stock or water. Heat the pasta over medium-low heat, stirring gently, until it's warmed through. This method allows you to control the moisture level more easily and can be faster than using the oven.
If the pasta seems dry after reheating, you can add a bit more chicken stock, a pat of butter, or a drizzle of olive oil to help restore its texture and flavor.
To brighten up the flavors of the reheated dish, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, or some freshly chopped parsley just before serving.
Remember, the key to successfully reheating farfalle with bacon and endives is to do so gently and with a bit of added moisture to prevent the pasta from drying out or becoming overcooked. With these methods, your leftover pasta will taste almost as good as it did the first time around!
Interesting Trivia About the Origins of Farfalle Pasta
Farfalle with bacon and endives is a classic Italian dish that combines the smoky flavor of bacon with the slightly bitter taste of endives. This dish is a perfect example of how Italian cuisine uses simple ingredients to create complex and delicious flavors. The reduced chicken stock adds depth to the dish, while the lemon zest and parsley provide a fresh and zesty finish. It's a versatile recipe that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish. Whether you're a fan of pasta or looking to try something new, this farfalle with bacon and endives recipe is sure to impress your taste buds.
Budget-Friendly Tips for Making Farfalle with Bacon and Endives at Home
The cost-effectiveness of this farfalle with bacon and endives recipe is quite favorable. The ingredients, such as farfalle, bacon, and endives, are relatively affordable and readily available. The dish offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a satisfying meal for a family. The approximate cost for a household of four people is around $15-$20, making it a budget-friendly option. Overall Verdict: 9/10
Is Farfalle with Bacon and Endives a Healthy Choice?
The farfalle with bacon and endives recipe, while delicious, may not be the healthiest option due to a few key ingredients:
- Bacon: High in saturated fat and sodium, which can contribute to heart disease and high blood pressure when consumed in excess.
- Parmesan cheese: Also high in saturated fat and sodium, although it does provide some calcium and protein.
- Olive oil and bacon fat: Both are high in calories, which can lead to weight gain if consumed in large amounts.
However, the recipe does include some healthy elements, such as:
- Endives: A good source of fiber, vitamins A and K, and antioxidants.
- Garlic: Contains compounds that may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
- Parsley: Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon to reduce the amount of saturated fat and calories
- Reduce the amount of bacon and parmesan cheese used, or opt for a low-fat cheese alternative
- Increase the amount of endives or add other vegetables, such as spinach or cherry tomatoes, to boost the fiber and nutrient content
- Use whole wheat farfalle to increase the fiber content and provide additional nutrients
- Drain the bacon fat and use a minimal amount of olive oil to reduce the overall calorie content
By making these adjustments, you can enjoy a tasty and more nutritious version of this farfalle with bacon and endives recipe. Remember, moderation is key, and it's okay to indulge in less healthy options occasionally as part of a balanced diet.
Editor's Take on the Flavors and Appeal of Farfalle with Bacon and Endives
This farfalle with bacon and endives recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The use of reduced chicken stock adds depth to the dish, while the crisp bacon and wilted endives provide a satisfying contrast. The addition of lemon zest and parsley brightens the overall flavor profile, and the Parmesan cheese brings a rich, savory note. The wine recommendation is spot on, offering a refreshing pairing to complement the dish. Overall, this recipe is a wonderful balance of savory and fresh elements, making it a delightful choice for a comforting yet sophisticated meal.
Enhance Your Farfalle with Bacon and Endives Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Pasta Recipes to Try If You Love This Dish
Appetizer and Dessert Ideas to Complement This Pasta Dish
Why trust this Farfalle with Bacon and Endives Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, featuring bacon for a rich, savory taste, balanced with the slight bitterness of endives. The addition of reduced chicken stock infuses the dish with depth and complexity. The use of parmesan cheese adds a creamy, salty element, while the lemon zest provides a refreshing citrus note. With a perfect al dente texture, the farfalle serves as an ideal canvas for this harmonious blend of ingredients. Trust in the expertise behind this recipe to deliver a memorable and satisfying dining experience.
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