This week, we're sharing a couple vegetarian powerhouse recipes that feature beans and legumes. This time around, chickpeas join forces with heat, sweet, and creamy goodness to bring a pasta dish that's out of this world. I adore this blend of ingredients and will seek it out often. Trust me, even the tried and true carnivores among you will find this dish downright delightful. Besides, you can always add a bit of chicken, pork, or shrimp to the mix if you must. (Hint: you don't need it.)
If you are worried about the heat added by using harissa paste, start with half the amount called for and taste the sauce once it comes together. You can always add more as needed to reach your perfection point. I'm a big fan of the heat and go even further by adding hot honey to the mix too. But don't fret - there's enough dairy in this dish to mellow out the heat and bring a stunning blend of flavors to your fork without setting you on fire. (Add hot sauce or additional harissa at the table for those seeking that fire.)
A side salad is a nice accompaniment for a dish like this. To help offset the heat and creaminess in this dish, I made sour cherry cocktails that paired beautifully. A dry white wine or a cocktail heavy with lemon would also pair nicely. However you serve this fun pasta dish, enjoy!
Honey Harissa Chickpea Pasta
- 1 lb. pasta - choose a shape that loves sauce; I used paccheri
- 1-2 tablespoons harissa paste - I used a bit over 2 tablespoons
- 3 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 1 can (15 oz.) chickpeas, drained
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon honey - I used hot honey
- Juice from ½ lemon
- Grated parmesan cheese, to taste
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions, or until al dente. Drain and keep warm until ready to toss with the sauce.
In a skillet or sauté pan, combine the harissa paste, garlic, onion, and chickpeas. Give everything a stir. Then add the heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
Add the honey and lemon juice - use hot honey for more heat in your final dish. Add the cooked, drained pasta and combine until your pasta is coated evenly with the sauce. Plate the pasta and sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese. Serve hot.
- Yields: 4 servings
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes