a romantic repast

Wow, so much pressure to post an appropriate recipe for Valentine’s Day. Honestly, I didn’t want to think about cooking–I was kinda hoping to be taken out to a swanky place instead (which, thanks to my loving husband, I was). But then, divine inspiration! I found a luscious jar of salmon caviar for a ridiculous price at Costco–another awesome discount discovery. Along with some silky smoked salmon leftover from weekend bagels, organic petite peas, and juicy segments of perfectly ripe pink grapefruit, I whipped up this gorgeous pasta dish. So simple and so successful! Pearls of caviar dance with the creamy peas, intermingling among tagliatelle tossed in a citrus laced cream sauce. Ribbons of smoked salmon and succulent segments of citrus helped provide that perfect balance of salty, tangy, smoky, sweet. Lovely and light–this luscious dish will have you licking your lips.

 

Tagliatelle with Smoked Salmon, Pink Grapefruit & Caviar

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Even I was surprised at how wonderfully this unusual combination worked. As luxurious as this dish is, it’s also a breeze to cook. The sauce comes together in the time it takes to boil the pasta, so it’s best to have all of your ingredients prepped before you begin. 

 


I used one of my favorite techniques in this recipe–creating citrus supremes by removing all peel and pith and carefully segmenting the fruit. The grapefruit is so delicious this way–without any skin or membrane, the delicately sweet segments almost melt in with the pasta. Using a chef’s knife, cut off each end of the grapefruit.


Stand the grapefruit on one end, and slice away the peel, following the contour of the fruit. When all the peel has been removed, hold the fruit in one hand and, using a paring knife, cut out the segments by slicing between the membranes. Collect the segments in a bowl as you go and squeeze the remaining pulp over a measuring cup to extract the juice. Reserve 1/4 cup.


Stack slices of smoked salmon and cut them crosswise into thin strips.


If you can’t find fresh peas, frozen peas are a great substitute. Just avoid the canned variety–they’re total mush. Measure out a cup of the fresh or frozen peas. Finely mince fresh dill, reserving several nice sprigs for garnish.


I found a delicious organic tagliatelle at Whole Foods, but you can use other pasta shapes as well: fettuccine, capellini, even gemelli would work nicely in this dish. Fill a large pot with water and place over high heat. When it comes to a rolling boil, add a handful of sea salt and then the tagliatelle. Give it a good stir and turn down the heat slightly, maintaining a medium boil.


In a large sauté pan over medium low heat, combine heavy cream and clam juice. Gently bring sauce to a simmer, shaking pan to combine.


About two minutes before the pasta is ready, add the peas to the pasta pot and stir. Finish cooking both (they should be al dente) then drain them together, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.


When the cream sauce has slightly thickened, add the 1/4 cup grapefruit juice to the pan. Season to taste with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.


Add the pasta and peas to the sauté pan and toss with the sauce. If needed, add some of the pasta water to loosen up the sauce; taste and adjust seasoning. 


Remove from the heat and gently stir in the minced dill, grapefruit segments, and the smoked salmon strips. Top with spoonfuls of salmon caviar. Serve immediately in big bowls, garnishing with the sprigs of dill.


Pour a lovely glass of wine–or go crazy and pop open a bottle of champagne–this meal is certainly worthy. Share this delectable delight with the one you love…. Happy Valentine’s Day!


Serves 2 (with leftovers):

1 large ripe pink grapefruit
4 ounces sliced smoked salmon
1 cup fresh or frozen peas
1/4 cup minced dill, plus sprigs for garnish
1 pound tagliatelle
1 cup heavy cream
8 ounces clam juice
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 ounces salmon caviar

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3 thoughts on “a romantic repast

  1. Maggie

    If I was into seafood this would look totally amazing. I do know a certain someone in my household that would love this though…that lovely lover of mine. 🙂 I am glad you got taken out for Valentine’s Day, its always nice to be treated to a “swanky” restaurant dinner. Hope your week is off to a wonderful start!