Trofie alla Genovese

Trofie alla Genovese is a classic Italian pasta dish that hails from the coastal region of Liguria, particularly the city of Genoa. This traditional dish is a beloved staple in the Italian culinary repertoire, known for its simple yet flavorful combination of ingredients. Trofie, a short, twisted pasta, is the star of the show in this dish, and it is typically paired with a vibrant and aromatic basil pesto sauce, along with potatoes and green beans. The result is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that perfectly represents the fresh and vibrant cuisine of Liguria.

Trofie alla Genovese
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Prep Time:

20 mins

Cook Time:

40 mins

Additional Time:

1 hr

Total Time:

2 hrs

Servings:

4

Yield:

4 servings

Ingredients

⅓ cup pine nuts
1 ½ cups chopped fresh basil
½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
½ cup extra-virgin olive oil, or more to taste
4 cloves garlic, minced
salt and ground black pepper to taste
4 cups vegetable stock, or more as needed
8 ounces haricots verts
1 large russet potato, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 lb trofie pasta (preferably fresh)
4 wedges fresh lemon

Directions

Step 1

Start by making the pesto: Heat a dry pan over medium-low heat. Add pine nuts and roast, tossing occasionally, until fragrant, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a food processor.

Step 2

Add basil, Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup olive oil, and garlic to the pine nuts; pulse until pesto is smooth. Add more olive oil if pesto is too thick. Season with salt and pepper and let rest for 1 hour.

Step 3

Prepare pasta: Bring vegetable stock to a boil in a large pot. Add haricots verts and boil for 5 minutes. Reduce heat to a simmer, add potato, and cook until both are fork-tender, about 20 minutes. Remove vegetables with a slotted spoon, leaving broth in the pot.

Step 4

Add trofie pasta to the broth and boil until tender yet firm to the bite, 7 to 8 minutes for dry pasta and 3 to 4 minutes for fresh. Drain.

Step 5

Combine potatoes, green beans, and pasta with the reserved pesto and toss together. Plate immediately with a wedge of lemon.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

470

Calories

38g

Fat

26g

Carbs

11g

Protein

Complement

The origins of Trofie alla Genovese date back to the coastal villages of Liguria, where locals would gather fresh herbs, vegetables, and seafood from the surrounding land and sea. This dish is a testament to the region's commitment to using high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients to create simple yet delicious meals. The combination of tender trofie pasta, creamy potatoes, crisp green beans, and fragrant basil pesto showcases the region's dedication to creating dishes that celebrate the natural bounty of the land and sea. Trofie alla Genovese is a true taste of Ligurian cuisine, and a testament to the beauty of simple, yet expertly crafted dishes.