Il Cucinologo
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Lagane and Chickpeas

17/11/2023

Lagane e ceci is a typical dish of traditional Southern Italian cuisine, particularly from the Campania and Lucania regions. It is a very simple and rustic dish, consisting of fresh pasta paired with a chickpea sauce. Here’s how to prepare it:

Ingredients

  • 300 g lagane (pasta similar to tagliatelle but wider and shorter)
  • 400 g dried chickpeas (soaked the night before) or 800 g canned cooked chickpeas
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1 sprig of rosemary
  • Chili flakes to taste
  • Salt to taste
  • Extra-virgin olive oil
  • (Optional) A piece of guanciale or pancetta for flavor

Preparation

  1. If using dried chickpeas, after soaking them overnight, drain and place them in a pot with plenty of water. Bring to a boil and cook until the chickpeas are tender. It may take more than an hour depending on the hardness of the chickpeas.
  2. Drain the chickpeas, reserving some of the cooking water.
  3. In a large skillet, heat the extra-virgin olive oil and add the garlic cloves and rosemary sprig. If using guanciale or pancetta, cut into small pieces and add to the skillet to brown.
  4. Add the chickpeas and let them sauté for a few minutes. Then add some of the cooking water to create a cream and let the flavors meld for 10-15 minutes over low heat, adjusting salt and chili to taste.
  5. Meanwhile, cook the lagane in plenty of salted water, following the cooking time on the package or, if homemade, for about 6-8 minutes until al dente.
  6. Drain the lagane and transfer to the skillet with the chickpeas, tossing for a few minutes to combine the flavors well.
  7. Serve hot, adding a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil raw if desired.

This rustic dish is characterized by its rich flavor and the use of chickpeas, nutritious and tasty legumes. Lagane is a pasta that lends itself well to soaking up the sauce and chickpeas, creating a simple yet very flavorful pairing. It is a perfect dish to enjoy on colder days, when a warm and nourishing meal is especially appreciated. If you can’t find lagane, you can also use other fresh pasta you have on hand.