| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 520 | 25g | 13g | 55g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 3g | 27g | 1.5g |
I’ve always held a certain fondness for the fruit based recipe that goes by the intriguing title of Black Pepper Spaghetti. A wonderful fusion of tartness from the fruits swiftly met with bold peppery notes, it’s almost reminiscent of home in a way. As a Boston native, I wasn’t necessarily raised on this particular dish – think more clam chowders and fresh seafood. But this unique pasta dish has a certain je ne sais quoi that binds me to it.
A Family Tradition
Family, as I’m sure it is for many of you, is at the heart of a lot of my cooking. While this dish can’t be traced back to my Irish lineage, it’s become something of a tradition in mine and Laura’s own growing little household. The combination of fruits, which we often switch up depending on the season, and the comfort of spaghetti speaks to both our backgrounds. Comfort food at its finest, one could say.
Why It’s a Healthy Choice
What I adore about the Black Pepper Spaghetti recipe is not just its tantalizing taste, but also the surprising health benefits that pop up. It’s not often a dish can boast being a treat for your tastebuds and your health! The mixed fruits are a fantastic source of antioxidants and vitamins. Plus, the cheeses offer a hearty dose of calcium. Pair that with the high fiber content of whole wheat spaghetti, and you’ve nailed a balanced meal. If you’re curious about more diet-friendly meals, check out this informative article for inspiration.
Ever tried a pasta dish that incorporates fresh fruits? If you have, you’ll know the truly refreshing taste profile it creates. And if you haven’t, Black Pepper Spaghetti might be the divine entrance into that culinary world you’ve been waiting on. And if you’re wondering what to pair it with, I often find it goes perfectly alongside a simple green salad, or even some fresh focaccia.
Together with Laura, and now our baby boy, we’ve made this recipe a whole family affair. From first simmering the garlic in the olive oil to sprinkling the last shred of cheese, it’s quite the experience. And, it’s an experience we continually fall in love with every time. Indeed, when it comes to flavorful recipes we cherish, Black Pepper Spaghetti is seductively unforgettable.
What You’ll Need
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 3 tbsp Extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cups Pecorino Romano cheese, grated
- 2 cups Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, grated
- Salt to taste
- 1 cup pasta cooking water, reserved
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup mixed fresh fruit (berries, peaches, grapes, etc.), chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh mint leaves, chopped
Method
Step One
Start by boiling water in a large pot. Once the water is sufficiently heated, add in the spaghetti and cook until it’s al dente. Be sure to save a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the spaghetti.
Step Two
While the pasta is cooking, heat up the extra-virgin olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic to the pan, sautéing until fragrant.
Step Three
Add in the freshly ground black pepper to the pan with the garlic, stirring continuously to prevent the pepper from burning. After about a minute, reduce the heat to low.
Step Four
At this point, the spaghetti should be done cooking. Drain the pasta while saving a cup of the pasta cooking water. Set the spaghetti aside.
Step Five
Add the cooked spaghetti to the pan with the garlic and black pepper. Toss the spaghetti in the oil mixture until it is evenly coated.
Step Six
Take the pan off the heat and add the two types of grated cheese, Pecorino Romano and Parmigiano-Reggiano. Toss the spaghetti until the cheese is melted into a creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it up.
Step Seven
Season the pasta with salt to taste. Be careful with the amount, as the cheese already adds quite a bit of saltiness to the dish.
Step Eight
Carefully mix in the fresh fruit, along with the chopped basil and mint leaves. Toss everything together until the fruit and herbs are evenly incorporated.
Step Nine
Serve the pasta hot, garnished with additional grated cheese, fruit and herbs if desired. Enjoy this delicious Black Pepper Spaghetti with a glass of your favourite wine!
