Il Cucinologo
EN

Baked Whole Wheat Mezze Penne with Tomino, Figs, and Walnuts

17/11/2023

The baked whole wheat mezze penne with tomino, figs, and walnuts is a flavorful dish that skillfully combines the sweetness of figs with the bold taste of tomino and the crunchiness of walnuts. Here’s the recipe:

Ingredients

  • 320 g whole wheat mezze penne
  • 4 tomini (fresh Piedmontese cheese)
  • 8 fresh or dried figs, if not in season
  • 100 g shelled walnuts
  • 200 ml fresh cream or milk for a lighter version
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Extra virgin olive oil to taste
  • A few sprigs of fresh thyme (optional)

Preparation

  1. Start by preheating the oven to 180 °C.
  2. Cook the whole wheat mezze penne in plenty of salted water following the times indicated on the package for al dente cooking. Then drain and set aside.
  3. Meanwhile, cut the figs into quarters if fresh, or in half if dried. If using dried figs, you can rehydrate them in lukewarm water for a few minutes before using.
  4. Roughly chop the walnuts with a knife or use a food processor, being careful not to reduce them to powder.
  5. In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and lightly sauté the figs together with the chopped walnuts. Add the cream (or milk) and let cook for a few minutes until it starts to simmer.
  6. Add the drained pasta to the fig and walnut sauce and mix well. Adjust the salt and add a generous grind of black pepper.
  7. Cut the tomini in half horizontally and place them on top of the pasta, distributing them evenly.
  8. Pour everything into a baking dish previously greased with a little oil and sprinkle with fresh thyme.
  9. Bake at 180 °C and let it gratinate until the tomino has melted and the surface is golden and crispy, for about 15-20 minutes.

Trivia

The tomino is a fresh cheese typically from Piedmont, with a soft paste and a delicate flavor. It melts beautifully in the oven, becoming a truly creamy delight that perfectly complements the flavors of this dish. The addition of figs gives an unexpected touch of sweetness, while the walnuts add a pleasant texture contrast.

I hope you enjoy this recipe and get to savor this tasty dish rich in flavors!