Our Marvelous Mary Berry Inspired Pasta with Parma Ham

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Introduction:

Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure guided by the illustrious Mary Berry herself! Our rendition of Mary Berry Inspired Pasta with Parma Ham will awaken your taste buds to a symphony of flavors. This delightful pasta creation seamlessly combines crispy Parma ham, vibrant roasted red peppers, and an assortment of fresh herbs for an unforgettable dining experience.

Designed to serve 4, this dish is a testament to Mary Berry’s knack for crafting easy yet delectable recipes that bring joy to every palate.

Recipe Details:

  • Serves: 4
  • Prep Time: Less than 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 to 30 minutes
  • Cuisine: Italian-inspired

About the Dish:

Indulge in the culinary brilliance of Mary Berry with her Parma Ham and Pimento Penne. This Mary Berry Inspired pasta masterpiece celebrates simplicity without compromising on flavor. A harmony of textures and tastes, this dish features crispy Parma ham, velvety crème fraîche, and a medley of aromatic herbs.

Ingredients:

  • 275g/9¾oz penne pasta
  • 6–7 slices of Parma ham, snipped into small pieces
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 spring onions, finely chopped
  • 150g/5½oz roasted red peppers in oil (from a jar), drained and chopped
  • 1 large garlic clove, crushed
  • 200g/7oz full-fat crème fraîche
  • 1 x 30g packet of flat-leaf parsley, leaves roughly chopped
  • 1 x 30g packet of basil, leaves roughly chopped
  • 30g/1oz Parmesan, finely grated
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method:

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta:

  1. In a pot of boiling salted water, cook the penne pasta according to the packet instructions. Drain, reserving a small amount of the cooking water.

Step 2: Crispy Delights:

  1. On high heat, use a large frying pan to fry the snipped Parma ham until it turns delightfully crispy. Stir occasionally for a few minutes. Set aside the crispy ham using a slotted spoon.

Step 3: Culinary Symphony:

  1. Add olive oil to the same pan, followed by the finely chopped spring onions, chopped roasted red peppers, and crushed garlic. Stir occasionally and sauté for about 2 minutes.

Step 4: Creamy Bliss:

  1. Introduce the full-fat crème fraîche to the pan and let it come to a gentle boil. Gradually add the drained pasta along with half of the crispy Parma ham, most of the roughly chopped herbs, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir over the heat for a few minutes until the components meld.

Step 5: Finishing Flourish:

  1. To elevate the dish, incorporate the finely grated Parmesan. If the sauce seems a touch thick, add a splash of the reserved cooking water. Sprinkle the remaining crispy Parma ham and herbs as a splendid garnish.

Mary’s Culinary Insights:

  • Use the whole packet of Parma ham for a generous burst of flavor.
  • Elevate the dish by adding a splash of reserved cooking water to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
  • Customize your experience by experimenting with the blend of herbs or adding a personal touch.

This recipe encapsulates the brilliance of Mary Berry Inspired creations, transforming everyday ingredients into a culinary masterpiece. Our Marvelous Mary Berry Inspired Parma Ham and Pimento Penne is a testament to Mary’s culinary prowess, promising a satisfying dining experience that ignites your love for Italian-inspired flavors.

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