Directions
Pasta with Leek and Potato Cream: An Indulgent Recipe
The French cuisine has long appreciated the harmonious pairing of leeks and potatoes, making it famous in the early 20th century with its renowned cold soup. Today, we offer a creative twist on this classic combination by transforming it into a delightful cream sauce for pasta. This recipe presents a delicious pasta dish featuring a creamy leek and potato sauce, enhanced by crispy speck that brings a symphony of flavors to the table, perfect for an embracing and flavorful first course. It’s an excellent choice to impress your guests, who will likely come back for a second helping!
Ingredients Needed
To prepare this dish, you will need:
- 300 g of pasta (preferably mezze maniche)
- 2 leeks
- 2 medium potatoes
- 250 ml of milk
- 100 g of speck
- Extra virgin olive oil (to taste)
- Salt (to taste)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step 1: Prepare the Leeks and Potatoes
Start by cleaning the leeks. Remove the green parts and the roots and slice them into thin rings. This step is crucial for ensuring even cooking. Next, focus on the potatoes; peel and cut them into very small cubes. For the potatoes, we recommend using waxy varieties, as they will give a creamy texture to the sauce.
Step 2: Cooking the Leeks and Potatoes
In a large pot, heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil over low heat. Once warm, add the leeks, and after a couple of minutes, add the potato cubes. Sauté, stirring frequently, until the vegetables start to brown. This step helps to develop the natural flavors of the leeks and potatoes.
Step 3: Adding Milk and Extended Cooking
After about 5-7 minutes of cooking, it’s time to add the milk. This ingredient is essential as it helps create a creamy base for our sauce. Continue to simmer for another 8-10 minutes until the potatoes are tender. Sprinkle in some salt to enhance the vegetable flavors.
Step 4: Blend the Mixture
Once cooked, transfer the vegetables to a blender and blend until you achieve a smooth cream. If necessary, add a bit more milk to reach the desired consistency. The leek and potato cream is now ready to be combined with the pasta!
Step 5: Preparing the Speck
In a non-stick skillet, place the speck cut into strips about 1 cm wide. Heat over high heat to make the speck crispy and golden. This will add a flavorful note and a contrasting texture to our pasta dish.
Step 6: Cooking the Pasta
Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the mezze maniche pasta according to the package instructions. It’s important to cook the pasta al dente so it can absorb the sauce nicely.
Step 7: Assembling the Dish
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and transfer it directly to the skillet with the leek and potato cream. Mix carefully to ensure that the pasta is fully coated in the sauce. Then, add the crispy speck strips, blending everything together off the heat.
Step 8: Garnishing and Serving
To finish the dish, chop some fresh parsley and sprinkle it over the pasta. This not only adds a lovely pop of color but also enhances the dish’s flavor. Serve the pasta hot, directly onto plates, for a culinary experience that highlights freshness and creaminess.
Conclusion: A Dish That Delights
Pasta with leek and potato cream, enhanced by crispy speck, exemplifies how simple ingredients can come together to create a refined-tasting dish. Ideal for any occasion, from family meals to dinner parties with friends, this first course stands out for its versatility and its ability to satisfy even the most discerning palates. Prepare it and let yourself be captivated by its deliciousness!
