Corn Cappelletti
by Thomas McNaughton
summerdinnerItalian
Yield: 4 to 6 main-course servings
Ingredients
produce
- 2 tspflat-leaf parsley(finely chopped)
- 1 1/2 cupsfresh corn kernels(divided)
- 1/2yellow onion(thinly sliced)
- 1/2 tsptarragon(minced)
- 2 tspchives(minced, divided)
dairy
- 2 tbspParmigiano-Reggiano cheese(grated)
- 4 tbspunsalted butter(cut into small cubes)
- 1 cupfromage blanc
grain
- 1 1/2 lbsfresh pasta sheets
pantry staple
- 1 tbspolive oil
- 1 1/2 tspChampagne vinegar
- salt
- honey(optional)
Instructions
- In a medium skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add all but 2 tablespoons of the corn and cook until tender, about 3 minutes.
- In a food processor, purée the corn and onion mixture. Transfer to a large bowl and fold in the fromage blanc, Parmigiano-Reggiano, vinegar, tarragon and 1 teaspoon of the chives until combined. Season with salt.
- Place one pasta sheet on a lightly floured work surface. Using a 3½-inch pastry cutter or drinking glass, cut the dough into circles; discard the scraps. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the corn filling into the center of each circle. Brush the pasta edges with water, fold the circles in half to create a half moon and seal the edges. Press the two corners together to form the cappelletti. Repeat with the remaining pasta and filling.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the cappelletti until al dente, about 2 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cappelletti to a large bowl.
- In a large skillet, bring ¼ cup of the pasta water and the butter to a simmer over medium heat and cook, whisking, until emulsified and slightly reduced, about 2 minutes. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of corn, the remaining teaspoon of chives and the parsley. Add the cappelletti and toss gently to coat with the sauce. Divide the cappelletti among plates. Garnish with a drizzle of honey and additional cheese, if desired, and serve immediately.