Rachael's Daytime Talk Show
Lemon and Chives Spaghetti with Farmers’ Market Veggies -- 04/22/10

Lemon and Chives Spaghetti with Farmers’ Market Veggies

Ingredients

  • Salt
  • 1 pound egg tagliatelle, such as Delverde brand or other thin, wide pasta or egg pasta
  • 1/2 pound thin asparagus, trimmed of tough ends
  • 1/4 to 1/3 pound of thin green beans, a couple of handfuls
  • 1 cup frozen green peas
  • 1 tablespoon EVOO – Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 3 tablespoons sweet butter
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped chives
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 Meyer lemons or 2 ripe organic lemons
  • Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese to taste, plus some to pass at table
  • Pepper
  • 2 cups mache or other baby lettuce

Yields: Serves 4

Preparation

Bring a large pot of water to a boil for pasta. Cook pasta to al dente according to package, about 7-8 minutes. Slice asparagus in 1-inch pieces on an angle. Cut beans into thirds, also on an angle. Midway through cooking the pasta, add asparagus and beans to water so they cook 3-4 minutes in boiling water with the pasta. Add peas to the pot 1 minute before draining. Reserve about 1/2 cup starchy cooking water just before you drain the pasta.

Meanwhile, heat EVOO in pan and melt butter into it over low to medium-low heat. Add chives and garlic and stir a minute or two. Then add wine and gently reduce a couple of minutes more. Stir in Dijon and lemon juice and turn off heat. Add pasta and remaining starchy water and toss to coat evenly 1-2 minutes. Add some cheese and pepper to taste. Fold in baby lettuce and serve with extra cheese on top.