Hello everyone, Chef of the Year here!
Mentaiko Cream Pasta is a delightful fusion dish that combines the savory, umami-rich flavors of mentaiko (spicy cod roe) with a creamy pasta sauce. This dish is simple to prepare yet offers a luxurious dining experience, perfect for a special meal at home. Here’s a concise yet detailed recipe with additional tips to elevate your cooking.
Ingredients (Serves 2)
Main Ingredients:
- Mentaiko (spicy cod roe): 2 tablespoons (scraped from the sacs)
- Spaghetti: 200g
- Heavy Cream: 200ml
- Butter: 1 tablespoon
- Onion: 1/4 (finely chopped)
- Garlic: 2 cloves (minced)
- Parmesan Cheese: 2 tablespoons (grated)
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
Additional Ingredients:
- Salt: To taste
- Black Pepper: To taste
- Green Chili Pepper: 1 (optional, for spice)
- Parsley: A few sprigs (chopped, for garnish)
- Lemon Juice: A splash (optional)
Preparation Steps
1. Prepare Ingredients
- Mentaiko: Remove the roe from the sacs and gently break apart any clumps.
- Spaghetti: Cook in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and toss in a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
Cooking Instructions
1. Make the Sauce
- In a pan, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent.
- Add the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the mentaiko, mixing well. If you like a spicy kick, add finely sliced green chili pepper at this stage.
2. Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce, tossing to coat the pasta thoroughly. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and mix well. Adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.
3. Plate and Serve
- Serve the pasta on plates and garnish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese. For a fresh, tangy note, add a splash of lemon juice.
Additional Tips
- Balancing Saltiness:
- Depending on the saltiness of the mentaiko, you may need to adjust the amount of heavy cream to balance the flavor. If the dish is too salty, add more cream.
- Variety of Ingredients:
- Additions like bacon or shrimp can enhance the flavor complexity. Ensure these are cooked separately and added during the final mixing stage.
- Choosing Pasta:
- While spaghetti is traditional, you can also use fettuccine or linguine for a different texture and feel.
- Cream Sauce Consistency:
- Adjust the sauce's thickness by adding some pasta water if it becomes too thick, ensuring a smooth and creamy consistency.
Mentaiko Cream Pasta is a wonderful dish that brings together the briny flavor of mentaiko with a rich, creamy sauce. It’s an elegant yet simple recipe, perfect for treating yourself or impressing guests. Enjoy cooking and dining on this special dish!