PASTA WITH STRING BEANS RECIPES

Steps:

• If using fresh green beans, cook in a covered saucepan in a small amount of boiling water for 20 to 25 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain.
• Meanwhile, in a large saucepan cook pasta according to package directions, adding the mushrooms, frozen green beans (if using), and green onion during the last 4 to 5 minutes of cooking. Drain pasta and vegetables in a colander. Set pasta mixture aside.
• For sauce, in the same large saucepan stir together yogurt, flour, mustard, nutmeg, and pepper. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly. Stir in pasta mixture, cooked fresh green beans (if using), and pancetta or ham. Heat through. To serve, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of well-salted water (2 heaping tablespoons kosher salt to about 7 quarts water) to a boil. Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium-low heat, toast the almonds, stirring frequently so they don’t burn, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat. In a medium bowl, combine the almonds, celery or parsley leaves, lemon zest, garlic and a pinch of salt. Set aside and wipe out skillet.
• Add pasta to boiling water and cook until it is al dente, according to package directions. About 2 minutes before it’s done, add the beans to the pasta pot. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, and drain the pasta and beans.
• While the pasta and beans drain, make the sauce: Heat the olive oil in the large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and red-pepper flakes and cook until the garlic is golden in color, about 1 to 2 minutes. Turn heat to low and add 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water to the skillet (be careful of splattering) and cook until it is reduced by about half, 1 to 2 minutes more. Turn heat to medium and add the pasta, green beans and butter to the skillet and toss until the butter melts. Add the cheese and an additional 1/4 cup water and toss until the cheese is emulsified and the pasta is glossy with sauce. If needed, add an additional 1/4 cup pasta water to loosen. Season with kosher salt, to taste.
• Transfer the pasta to a large bowl, top with gremolata and drizzle with more olive oil. Pass additional grated cheese at the table, if desired.