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Malloreddus with Zucchini Flowers, Ricotta & Saffron
This malloreddus with zucchini flowers is made with a flavorful, creamy ricotta and saffron sauce. The delicate flavors of the zucchini flowers make for a unique and delicious meal. Based on a traditional Sardinian recipe, this divine dish is also incredibly quick and can be made in under 30 minutes.
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 503 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
Italian
Ingredients
- 12 ½ oz Malloreddus Sardinian Gnocchi
- 20 zucchini flowers crowns cut into strips, stems and stamens removed
- 5 ¼ oz fresh ricotta cheese sheep's or cow's milk preferred
- ½ teaspoon saffron threads soaked in 3 tablespoon warm water for at least 20 minutes
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 3-5 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- salt for pasta water and to taste
- ground black pepper to taste
- grated pecorino cheese optional
Instructions
- Bring a pot of water to boil for the pasta. Once it starts to boil add salt and bring it to a boil again. Then, cook the malloreddus to al dente according to the package instructions.
- While the pasta cooks prepare the zucchini flowers by carefully washing them and cutting the crowns of the zucchini flowers into strips after removing the stems and the stamens.
- In a deep frying pan or deep sauté pan heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onion until softened. Add the zucchini flower pieces and cook on low heat for a few minutes, stirring frequently. Turn off the heat and set aside.
- In a bowl mix the ricotta cheese, chopped basil, soaked saffron (including the water), a drizzle of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and black pepper.
- Incorporate half a cup of the pasta cooking water to achieve a creamy consistency.
- Mix the ricotta saffron cream into the pan with the zucchini flowers and onion.
- Drain the cooked malloreddus reserving a bit more of the cooking water. Add the malloreddus to the pan with the zucchini flowers, ricotta, and saffron mixture. Mix together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if it's too thick.
- Dish out the creamy pasta garnished with additional chopped basil and optionally grated Pecorino romano.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- If you can't find malloreddus (Sardinian gnocchi) you can use cavatelli or small past tubes like elbow pasta.
- If you can't find zucchini flowers use zucchini cut into small pieces.
Nutrition Information
Calories
503kcal
(25%)
Carbohydrates
71g
(24%)
Protein
16g
(32%)
Fat
17g
(26%)
Saturated Fat
5g
(25%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
2g
Monounsaturated Fat
9g
Cholesterol
19mg
(6%)
Sodium
38mg
(2%)
Potassium
280mg
(8%)
Fiber
3g
(12%)
Sugar
4g
(8%)
Vitamin A
167IU
(3%)
Vitamin C
2mg
(2%)
Calcium
103mg
(10%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 503
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 503kcal | 25% |
| Carbohydrates | 71g | 24% |
| Protein | 16g | 32% |
| Fat | 17g | 26% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Cholesterol | 19mg | 6% |
| Sodium | 38mg | 2% |
| Potassium | 280mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 167IU | 3% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 103mg | 10% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.