2201. PASTA with BACON, MIZUNA and HAZELNUTS

makes 6 servings


8 slices (8 ounces) thick, smoked bacon, sliced crosswise into 1/4 inch strips
1/2 medium onion, cut in half and sliced thin
1 clove garlic, minced
1 bunch mizuna, roughly chopped (about 4 cups)
1 pound flat or shaped pasta such as fettuccine or bow ties, cooked al dente in boiling salted water and then drained, saving about 1 cup of the pasta cooking liquid
3/4 cup apple cider vinegar, or to taste (or substitute white wine, sherry, or balsamic vinegar)
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
3/4 cup coarsely chopped toasted hazelnuts

In a large (10- to 12-inch) skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon strips until crisped. Remove all but 2 tablespoons bacon drippings from the pan. Turn the heat to high. Add the onion and garlic to the bacon and sauté briefly, about 2 minutes.

Add the cooked, drained pasta and toss until the pasta is heated through. Add mizuna and toss just until mizuna begins to wilt. The pasta should be very moist (but not saucy) and should toss easily. If not, use 2-3 tablespoons or more of the reserved pasta cooking water. (If you forgot to save it, just use hot water.)

Sprinkle the pasta with the vinegar, salt, and pepper and toss again. Taste and adjust seasoning with more vinegar, salt, and pepper as desired. Transfer to a hot pasta bowl. Sprinkle with the toasted hazelnuts and serve immediately.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Carole Cancler, Seattle Farmers Market Examiner, July 19, 2009