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Saffron-Laced Pastina

Saffron-Laced Pastina recipe image
This Saffron-Laced Pastina transforms humble tiny pasta into a sophisticated Mediterranean dish. The star ingredient, saffron, is bloomed in olive oil to create a golden, aromatic base that coats every bite. Combined with the earthiness of cumin and turmeric, the bright acidity of lemon, and the crunch of toasted pine nuts, this dish offers a complex yet balanced flavor profile. Fresh herbs like mint, parsley, and coriander add a vibrant green finish, while plumped currants provide subtle bursts of sweetness. It is an elegant yet simple dish that shines at room temperature, making it perfect for potlucks, lunchboxes, or as a light main course alongside grilled vegetables.
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 10
Calories: 106.3
Dietary: Vegan, Vegetarian
Description
This Saffron-Laced Pastina transforms humble tiny pasta into a sophisticated Mediterranean dish. The star ingredient, saffron, is bloomed in olive oil to create a golden, aromatic base that coats every bite. Combined with the earthiness of cumin and turmeric, the bright acidity of lemon, and the crunch of toasted pine nuts, this dish offers a complex yet balanced flavor profile. Fresh herbs like mint, parsley, and coriander add a vibrant green finish, while plumped currants provide subtle bursts of sweetness. It is an elegant yet simple dish that shines at room temperature, making it perfect for potlucks, lunchboxes, or as a light main course alongside grilled vegetables.
Ingredients
  • 1/4 teaspoon Ground saffron
  • 1/2 cup Olive oil
  • 2 cloves Garlic
  • 3 tablespoons Freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon Ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons Ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon Granulated sugar
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 lb Semi de melone (melon-seed shape pasta) or other small pastina
  • 2/3 cup Pine nuts, lightly toasted
  • 1/2 cup Currants, plumped in hot water and drained
  • 1/4 cup Chopped fresh mint
  • 1/4 cup Chopped fresh parsley
  • 3 tablespoons Chopped fresh coriander (cilantro)
  • for garnish Fresh mint sprigs or leaves
  • for garnish Pomegranate seeds (optional)
  • for finishing Orange blossom water (optional)
Directions
  1. 1
    Place the ground saffron in a small bowl and cover with the olive oil. Let stand for about 15 minutes to allow the saffron to bloom and infuse the oil.
  2. 2
    While the saffron blooms, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pastina and cook until very al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  3. 3
    Drain the pasta well and immediately rinse it under cold running water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Drain thoroughly again.
  4. 4
    To the bowl with the saffron oil, add the minced garlic, lemon juice, cumin, turmeric, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Whisk or stir until well combined to form the dressing.
  5. 5
    Place the cooled, drained pasta in a large mixing bowl. Pour the saffron dressing over the pasta and toss gently to coat evenly.
  6. 6
    Let the dressed pasta sit at room temperature, stirring occasionally, until it is completely cool.
  7. 7
    In a small dry skillet, toast the pine nuts over medium heat until golden and fragrant. Watch closely as they burn easily. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  8. 8
    Fold the toasted pine nuts, drained currants, chopped mint, parsley, and coriander into the pasta salad. Toss gently to combine.
  9. 9
    Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
  10. 10
    Transfer to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh mint sprigs and pomegranate seeds if using.
  11. 11
    Just before serving, sprinkle lightly with orange blossom water if desired. Serve at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 10

Amount Per Serving
Calories 106.3kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 12.0g19%
Saturated Fat 1.7g9%
Cholesterol 0.1mg1%
Sodium 0.1mg1%
Total Carbohydrate 0.0g0%
Dietary Fiber 0.0g0%
Sugars 0.0g
Protein 0.0g0%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: saffron, pastina, pasta salad, mediterranean, vegan, pine nuts, currants, lemon, cumin, turmeric, mint, parsley, coriander, olive oil, garlic, pomegranate, orange blossom, summer dinner, make ahead, herb pasta
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/saffron-laced-pastina-2/