What’s Cooking in Gail’s Kitchen? Splurge-Worthy Goodness: Yarrow Bowtie Pasta! Every time I passed by my front porch, I got a pleasant whiff of licorice. It seemed to come and go, but I couldn’t figure out which plant produced it. Imagine my delight when I discovered the previous owners had planted the decorative flowering herb, Yarrow. I pinched off a fern-like leaf, rubbed it between my fingers, and bingo, that was the familiar scent. When it comes to cooking, a little yarrow goes a long way. Because the leaves are feathery and soft, high heat will destroy the flavor. It is very important to wait until the dish is prepared before utilizing the essence of yarrow. The taste is so distinct, it must be used sparingly.
YARROW BOWTIE PASTA
Ingredients:
1 teaspoon yarrow leaves, chopped
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
4 ounce dried bowtie pasta
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon truffle oil
2 tablespoons garlic, chopped
2 anchovy fillets in oil, rinsed and chopped
2 tablespoons dry white wine
Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Instructions:
Combine yarrow leaves and red pepper flakes. Mince together. Set aside. Cook bowtie pasta in salt water, according to package directions. While pasta is cooking, warm olive oil and truffle in a skillet on low heat. Add chopped garlic and anchovies; cook until fragrant and lightly browned. Do not burn. Remove pan from heat; swirl to cool. Add dry white wine to pan. When pasta is done, drain well. Add pasta to skillet. Toss to coat, cooking on low heat for one minute. Remove from heat; add yarrow mixture. Toss to incorporate. Transfer pasta to individual serving bowls. Garnish with fresh parmesan cheese. Serve with a tossed garden salad.
Now I want to.plant yarrow!
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It’s worth the time. As a perennial, it returns every year. 🌿🍃
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Drats… it’s poisonous to dogs and cats!
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Actually, our neighbor’s cats walked right by it every day to eat food we left out for them. Perhaps they already know enough to avoid it. 🌿🐱
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Yeah. I need to look for more info. I know every iota of traditional lillies are poisonous to cats – but learned the variety that I have (spider lily) is not.
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Must check whether yarrow leaves are available in Australia.
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They are pretty hardy, since we experience all four seasons. 🌎
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What might you suggest if I substitute for the red pepper?
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Smoky paprika is a nice choice. It has flavor without the heat. 🍂
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Muchas gracias Gail
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Of course. 😜
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Nothing like a good pasta dish!
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Right? When I want pasta…
I. Want. Pasta. 😋
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My wife is the same way.
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Like Chris, there is nothing like a good pasta dish! Yarrow is from the Achillea family, named after Achilles who used it to heal his wounds! Here’s a link for anyone who would like to know more:
https://www.permaculture.co.uk/articles/yarrow-and-its-medicinal-benefits
😋😋😋 😘
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Thanks very much for “Paying It Forward”. 💫
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I can imagine the full and spicy taste.
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I gotta say, stretching the palate can be be profound. 🌿🍃🌟
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Well said!
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I’ll have to look yarrow up.. never heard of it.. 😉
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It’s an herb that is very kind to humans. 🌿🌱🍃
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Wow, Gail! You always introduce me to something new! I love that! Have never heard of yarrow. So interesting, and I love the idea of that aroma!
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It took me by surprise, that’s for sure. 🌿🌱🍃
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