Lunch: Friulian Pasta with Zucchini and Zucchini Flowers

Recipe by Giampaolo Venica This traditional Friulian pasta is called girini, which means tadpoles in Italian. It is made with a very soft egg batter that gets pushed through the holes of a colander in the style of spaetzle. It's good with any number of s

This recipe includes fertility superfoods such as:

Basil

Health and fertility benefits of Friulian Pasta with Zucchini and Zucchini Flowers

Basil is an excellent stress reliever, and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Ingredients

4 large eggs
1 1/4 cups 00 flour
Kosher salt
Pepper
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
4 ounces baby zucchini, sliced crosswise 1/8 inch thick (1 cup)
8 zucchini flowers (2 ounces), stamen or pistils discarded and flowers halved lengthwise (optional)
1/4 cup small basil leaves
Aged Montasio or Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, for shaving

Instructions

In a bowl, beat the eggs. Using a wooden spoon, mix in the flour and a pinch of salt until a smooth, thick pasta batter forms. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Using a flexible spatula, carefully press 1/4 cup of the pasta batter through the holes of a colander into the water and cook until the pasta is firm and floats to the surface, about 30 seconds. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the pasta to an ice water bath to cool. Repeat to cook the remaining 3 batches of pasta. Drain well and pat dry.
In a skillet, melt the butter in the 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the zucchini rounds and season with salt and pepper. Cook over moderate heat, stirring, until softened, about 2 minutes. Stir in the pasta and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring, until warmed through, 3 minutes. Off the heat, stir in the zucchini flowers, if using, and basil. Garnish the pasta with cheese shavings, drizzle with oil and serve.

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