Green Orecchiette

17/11/2023

Orecchiette are a classic of Apulian cuisine, and the green variant is usually obtained by adding green leafy vegetables to the dough, such as spinach, to give color and a slightly different flavor. Here’s how you can prepare homemade green orecchiette.

Ingredients

200 g fresh spinach
400 g durum wheat semolina
Water, as needed
Salt, a pinch for the spinach cooking water

Preparation

Start by washing the spinach and cooking it in lightly salted water until wilted. Drain well and squeeze to remove excess water.
Blend the cooked spinach in a food processor until you obtain a smooth puree.
In a large bowl, pour the semolina and make a well in the center, creating a sort of volcano.
Add the spinach puree to the center and begin kneading, adding water a little at a time if necessary, until you obtain a smooth and elastic dough.
Work the dough on a lightly floured surface, then cover it with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 20 minutes.
After the resting time, take a small portion of dough and roll it on the work surface to form long, thin cylinders about 1 cm in diameter. Cut these cylinders into 2-3 cm pieces.
To give the characteristic orecchiette shape, gently press each piece with the tip of your thumb and slide the dough toward you so that it curves, forming the typical cavity of the orecchietta.
As you shape the orecchiette, place them on a floured surface without overlapping to prevent sticking.
To cook the orecchiette, bring a pot of salted water to a boil, then add the orecchiette and cook for about 5-8 minutes or until they float to the surface.
Drain the orecchiette and toss with your preferred sauce.

Condiment suggestion: green orecchiette pair well with vegetable-based sauces, such as a simple fresh tomato and basil sauce or a pumpkin cream with crispy sage leaves. If you want to stay true to Apulian tradition, you can prepare a sauce with turnip greens sautéed in a pan with garlic, oil, and chili pepper.

Trivia

Orecchiette take their name from their shape that resembles a small ear. In Puglia, they are so rooted in culinary tradition that they are often prepared on festive occasions and family gatherings, representing a symbol of conviviality and tradition.