Laurie Colwin's Beets w/ Angel Hair



Recently one of my "anonymous" commenters recommended a recipe for my newly dug beets. She insisted on "beets w/ pasta" by Laurie Colwin.

I remember Laurie Colwin back in the 90's when I used to subscribe to Gourmet, she was a funny and wonderful writer, and died much too young in her 40's of a heart attack. I remember reading her obituary in the NY Times back in 1992, and thinking that I never bought her book More Home Recipes, which was reprinted in 2000.

Then another reader/commenter emailed me and said I must make Laurie's recipe for beets w/ angel hair.
Ok, ok, I can take a hint.

This week our beautiful beets from seed are up, red and yellow and they're sweet and gorgeous.
My husband was leery about me serving beets on pasta, but he had forgotten it was served to him before and he liked it.



The key to this recipe turning out excellent is not only the beets, but the chicken stock you use.
Use only homemade stock, even if you have to go to a Chinese take-out place and buy some.

I had about a quart of the good stuff left in my freezer from the winter, so I was in luck.
I mixed red and yellow beets here, but just know that the pasta is going to turn pink no matter what.

For the herbs, I used chopped basil mixed with chopped parsley, and I omitted the cheese.

This was a beautiful dish, made with everything from the garden and homemade stock, now if I would only start making my own pasta from scratch, this would be the perfect "homemade" dinner.

This was great, so thank you to the 2 anonymous funny ladies (I assume you are women) for giving me the push to make this.

PS I also bought the book.



Laurie Colwin's Beet & Angel Hair Pasta: (adapted from More Home Cooking)

6 medium beets, finely diced (I used red and yellow)
2 large cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup good homemade rich chicken broth
1/4 red onion, minced
fresh herbs, whatever you have (I used basil and parsley)
crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 pound angel hair pasta
freshly grated Parmesan for serving (optional)



Put diced beets and olive oil in large skillet. Sprinkle with kosher salt and pepper and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until just tender, about 6 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute.



Add broth and simmer until beets are very tender and broth is reduced, about 10-12 minutes. The beets will be shiny and the juice will thicken.

Boil pasta, top with beet mixture and serve with the fresh herbs and grated Parmesan, if using.



Delicious!

PS it just happens to be Meatless Monday.

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Comments

Anonymous said…
It also just happens to be my birthday! Yes, I'm a woman, today a 50 year old woman. What a lovely birthday surprise to see Ms. Snacks all over my beet-u-ti-ful suggestion. Happy to hear you and Henry liked the dish. Enjoy Laurie Colwin's book - I often wonder, what would she think of today's world of food blogging?
Stacey Snacks said…
Ms. Anonymous:
Happy Birthday to you! Thanks for all of your witty commentary!

Stacey
Vicki Radcliffe said…
I love that you grew the beets yourself! They are so pretty. Love the photos. I will try this pasta, sounds weird, but good!
Ciao Chow Linda said…
A most unusual combo Miss Stacey, but pasta and beets are two of my favorite things, so why not combine them?
Ann from ILlinois said…
Bless those commenters to lead you to discover the world of Laurie Colwin. She is one of my very favorite food writers, and yes, she died much too young.

You AND Laurie make me want to try this unusual dish. I trust you both, and I trust that you are enjoying her book (don't forget Home Cooking, too, and she has a number of fiction books that I love as well!).
redleopard2853@yahoo.com said…
Beautiful looking corp of beets - sounds very interesting and incredible presentation. Debby in Seattle
I only recently "discovered" Laurie Colwin. Keep both her "Home Cooking" books by my bed. Her essays are just a nice (and inspirational)night cap.
Anonymous said…
How bittersweet to be reminded of Laurie Colwin, a favorite author. Thanks