Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound Valcasotto pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special Equipment Needed:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet for caramelizing onions
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add Valcasotto pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add thinly sliced onions and cook until they are soft and caramelized, stirring occasionally. This should take about 20-25 minutes.
3. Once the onions are caramelized, add brown sugar and balsamic vinegar to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the mixture thickens.
4. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the caramelized onions and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Top the pasta with crumbled goat cheese and serve immediately.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
- N/A
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 4 people.
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 495
- Fat: 17g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Protein: 16g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Valcasotto pasta can be substituted with any other type of pasta.
- Olive oil can be substituted with any other type of cooking oil.
- Brown sugar can be substituted with honey or maple syrup.
- Balsamic vinegar can be substituted with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
- Goat cheese can be substituted with feta cheese or blue cheese.
Variations:
- Add cooked chicken or shrimp to the pasta for a protein boost.
- Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil for extra flavor.
- Use caramelized shallots instead of onions for a milder flavor.
Tips and Tricks:
- Be patient when caramelizing the onions. It takes time, but the end result is worth it.
- Reserve some pasta water to add to the skillet if the pasta seems dry.
- Crumble the goat cheese just before serving to prevent it from melting too much.
Storage Instructions:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
- Reheat the pasta in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the pasta in individual bowls or on a large platter.
- Garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Garnishes:
- Fresh herbs like parsley or basil
- Balsamic glaze
Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Mixed green salad with a simple vinaigrette
- Roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of pasta water to the skillet.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to cook the pasta and onions to the appropriate temperature to prevent foodborne illness.
Food History:
- Valcasotto is a type of pasta that originated in the Piedmont region of Italy.
Flavor Profiles:
- This dish is sweet and savory with a tangy balsamic flavor and creamy goat cheese.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve this pasta dish as a main course for lunch or dinner.
Related Categories
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Region: Italian