Il Cucinologo
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Radiatori with Vegetables and Saffron

17/11/2023

Below is the recipe for preparing delicious radiatori with vegetables and saffron, a pasta that thanks to its particular shape is great for holding flavors. Naturally, there will be an all-Italian touch in the suggestion of this recipe.

Ingredients

  • 320 g radiatori pasta
  • 1 zucchini
  • 1 carrot
  • 1 red bell pepper
  • 1 sachet of saffron
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Grated Parmesan (optional)
  • A pinch of chili flakes (optional)
  • Vegetable broth or water (as needed to dissolve the saffron)

Preparation

  1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil to cook the pasta. Once boiling, cook the radiatori following the times indicated on the package to obtain al dente pasta.
  2. Meanwhile, clean and cut the zucchini, carrot, and red bell pepper into similarly sized cubes.
  3. In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and add the peeled garlic cloves (and crushed, if you prefer a more intense aroma). If you like a spicy touch, you can also add a pinch of chili.
  4. Add the cut vegetables to the skillet and let them sauté until they are tender but still crunchy, making sure to stir frequently.
  5. In a small bowl, dissolve the sachet of saffron in a bit of hot vegetable broth or hot water.
  6. Once the vegetables are cooked, remove the garlic cloves and add the dissolved saffron. Mix well to blend the flavors.
  7. Drain the al dente pasta and add it to the skillet with the vegetables and saffron. Toss everything in the skillet for a couple of minutes, so that the radiatori can absorb all the flavors of the sauce.
  8. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if necessary.
  9. Serve hot, with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top, if desired.

Fun Facts

Saffron is a spice highly appreciated in cooking for its unique flavor and the vibrant color it gives to dishes. Its origin is ancient and it is believed to have been used already in the ancient Middle Eastern empires. In Italy, the Abruzzo region is very famous for the production of very high-quality saffron.

I hope you enjoy this tasty and colorful dish, which unites the aromatic richness of saffron with the freshness of seasonal vegetables. Enjoy your meal!