Coffee Infused Spaghetti: A Bold Fusion Recipe
Imagine sitting at the table and being greeted by a scent that evokes memories of energetic awakenings and afternoon breaks: coffee. But this time, the aroma doesn’t come from your cup, but from the plate in front of you. Let me introduce you to a bold culinary fusion that transforms classic spaghetti into a new sensory experience: a pasta dish full of aroma.
I still remember the first time I tasted this unusual combination; it was a cool autumn evening, and curiosity had led me to try something different. The result? A surprising balance between the bold flavor of long coffee and the sweetness of cooked ham, all bound by the creaminess of grated Grana cheese.
Now it’s your turn to dare in the kitchen with this simple yet sophisticated recipe. Get ready to welcome your guests with a dish that will leave them amazed by the audacity of flavors but also by that familiar sensation given by the unmistakable aroma of coffee.
Recipe Notes
- EASE: Quick and easy to prepare
- PROS: Aromatic combination of coffee and ham
- CONS: Requires attention when cooking the coffee
- PREPARATION: Fast and simple, in just 20 minutes
- NUTRITIONAL NOTES: Approximately 550 Kcal per serving
Ingredients Notes for the Recipe
- Spaghetti Pasta: Go for a high-quality pasta for the best results.
- Ham: Adds a salty kick to the dish.
- Carrot, Celery, Shallot: Create a flavorful base for the sauce.
- Red Wine: Intensifies the flavors of the sautéed vegetables.
- Long Black Coffee: Gives a unique aroma to the spaghetti.
- Grated Grana Cheese: Adds creaminess and flavor to the topping.
Nutritional Aspects
Let’s discover the nutritional value of this unique recipe for coffee-infused spaghetti.
- High in carbohydrates for instant energy
- Proteins provided by the cooked ham and Grana cheese
- Fiber thanks to the presence of carrots and celery
- Vitamins and minerals from the fresh vegetables
- Butter as a source of saturated fats, to be consumed in moderation
- Coffee for a boost of natural antioxidants
- Well-balanced dish when included in a varied and balanced diet
- Approximately 550 Kcal per serving, ideal for a hearty meal
- Flavorful option without going overboard on calories
- Splash of red wine to enhance the aromatic profile without adding too many calories
- Tip: add unsweetened cocoa for an extra dose of polyphenols without added sugars
Recipe for Coffee Spaghetti
Ingredients
- 400 g Pasta Spaghetti type
- 200 g Ham cooked
- 1 Carrot
- 1 Shallot
- 60 g Butter
- 1/2 bicchierino Wine red
- 1/2 bicchierino Coffee long
- 4 cucchiai Grana Cheese grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 Celery rib
Instructions
- Start by finely chopping the carrot, celery, and shallot.
- Melt the butter in a large pan and sauté the prepared mixture until golden brown.
- Add the chopped cooked ham to the pan and let it flavor for about 15 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Pour in the red wine and wait for it to evaporate completely to intensify the flavors of the sauté.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then add the long coffee to the mixture and cook for another 5 minutes, mixing the ingredients well.
- Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente.
- Drain the pasta, reserving some of the cooking water, and pour it into the pan with the coffee sauce.
- Add the grated Grana cheese, a little of the reserved cooking water to make the sauce creamy, mix well until the spaghetti are well seasoned with the coffee sauce.
- Serve the spaghetti immediately while hot.
Notes
Variations
Customize your Coffee Spaghetti recipe with these suggestions:
- Add some chili flakes for an extra kick of heat
- Swap the cooked ham for crispy bacon for a more flavorful twist
- Use pecorino cheese instead of Grana for a bolder taste
- Experiment with macchiato or espresso for variations in flavor
Frequently Asked Questions About Coffee Spaghetti
Here are some common questions about making coffee spaghetti.
How can I make the sauce for coffee spaghetti creamier?
To make the sauce creamier and well-blended, add a bit of the reserved cooking water along with the grated cheese.
How can I give a unique twist to the traditional recipe?
You can garnish each dish with a light dusting of unsweetened cocoa powder before serving to add a unique and surprising twist to the traditional recipe.