Penne with dried plums, radicchio & walnuts

The combination of sweet onions and dried plums is wonderful with radicchio and toasted walnuts in this winter pasta dish. For more fiber and flavor, use whole wheat penne.

Serves 6

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 cups thinly sliced onions
• 2 slices prosciutto, cut onto thin strips (optional)
• 1 1/2 cup halved, pitted dried plums (about 9 ounces)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
• 1 pound radicchio, cut into 1/2-inch ribbons
• 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
• 4 cups whole wheat penne pasta, uncooked (3/4 pound)
• Salt and black pepper
• 1 1/2 cup chopped toasted walnuts
• Grated pecorino cheese, for garnish (optional)

Directions

• In large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add onions, prosciutto (if using), dried plums and rosemary.
• Cook, stirring occasionally, 6 to 8 minutes or until onions are soft and golden.
• Add radicchio and vinegar.
• Cook, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes or until radicchio is wilted and slightly browned.
• Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
• Drain pasta, reserving a little of the cooking water.
• Add pasta to skillet and mix well, adding some of the reserved cooking water if pasta looks dry.
• Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Serve pasta sprinkled with walnuts and, if desired, with cheese.

Nutritional information

• Calories: 618
• Cholesterol: 4 mg
• % of calories from fat: 44%
• Total fat: 30 g
• Sodium: 221 mg
• Carbohydrates: 77 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Fiber: 13 g
• Potassium: 745 mg

Back to Recipes, main page