Classic and Delicious Cardinale Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 pound of fresh pasta
  • 1 cup of ham, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup of red wine
  • 1 can (28 ounces) of crushed tomatoes
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1/2 cup of heavy cream
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • Handful of fresh basil leaves, chopped

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are soft, which should take about 5 minutes.
  3. Add the ham to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until it begins to brown.
  4. Stir in the red wine, scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the skillet.
  5. Add the crushed tomatoes to the skillet. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
  6. While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until it is al dente. Drain the pasta well.
  7. Add the heavy cream to the skillet, stirring it into the tomato sauce. Let the sauce simmer for another 5 minutes.
  8. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it well to combine with the sauce.
  9. Sprinkle the pasta with the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil before serving.

Tools for making

  • Large skillet - A skillet is needed to cook the vegetables, ham, and sauce.
  • Large pot - A large pot is required to boil the pasta.
  • Cutting board - A cutting board is necessary for dicing the ham, onion, and red bell pepper.
  • Knife - A knife is needed for mincing the garlic and dicing the ham, onion, and red bell pepper.
  • Wooden spoon - A wooden spoon is useful for stirring the sauce and pasta.
  • Grater - A grater is necessary for grating the Parmesan cheese.
  • Measuring cup - A measuring cup is needed to accurately measure the red wine and heavy cream.

Recipe variations

  • Use different types of pasta such as penne, fusilli, or spaghetti.
  • Replace the ham with cooked chicken, bacon, or sausage.
  • Add vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to the sauce.
  • Experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or Gruyere.
  • For a vegetarian option, omit the meat and add extra vegetables or tofu.
  • Try using white wine instead of red wine in the sauce.
  • Add a kick of spice by including crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
  • For a creamy variation, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream.
  • Garnish the dish with fresh parsley, oregano, or thyme for added flavor.
  • Include diced tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes for a different texture and taste.

Recipe overview

Get ready to indulge in a delightful Italian dish known as Cardinale. This pasta recipe combines the hearty flavors of ham and rich tomato sauce, enhanced with a touch of red wine and heavy cream for a luscious, comforting meal. Punctuated with the freshness of basil and the bite of Parmesan cheese, this dish promises to transport you straight to the heart of Italy. Expect a satisfying, savory pasta dish with a depth of flavor that will have you and your guests coming back for seconds. Preparing Cardinale involves sautéing fresh vegetables and ham, simmering a rich sauce, and tossing it all with pasta for an authentic Italian meal right in your own kitchen.

Common questions

  1. Can I use dried pasta instead of fresh pasta? Yes, you can substitute dried pasta for fresh pasta in this recipe. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package for the appropriate cooking time.
  2. Can I use a different type of meat instead of ham? Certainly! While the recipe calls for ham, you can use other types of cooked meat such as cooked chicken, cooked sausage, or even bacon if you prefer.
  3. Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely! While Parmesan cheese adds a nice flavor to the dish, you can use other grated cheeses such as pecorino romano or even a blend of different cheeses.
  4. Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the ham and using vegetable broth instead of red wine. You can also add some additional vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini to enhance the flavor.
  5. Can I make the sauce ahead of time? Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just reheat the sauce on the stove before tossing it with the cooked pasta.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large skillet - A large skillet is needed to cook the sauce and vegetables.
  • Large pot - A large pot is necessary for boiling the pasta.
  • Wooden spoon - A wooden spoon is useful for stirring the sauce and pasta.
  • Chef's knife - A sharp chef's knife is needed for dicing the ham and vegetables.
  • Cutting board - A cutting board provides a surface for chopping ingredients.
  • Grater - A grater is required to grate the Parmesan cheese.
  • Colander - A colander is used to drain the cooked pasta.
  • Serving bowl - A large serving bowl is needed to combine the pasta and sauce before serving.
  • Serving spoon - A serving spoon is used to portion the pasta onto plates.
  • Parmesan cheese shaker - A Parmesan cheese shaker can be used to offer grated cheese at the table.

Origin stories

Cardinale is a pasta dish that hails from the kitchens of Italy, where pasta forms the cornerstone of the culinary tradition. Interestingly, this dish showcases the Italian art of blending simplicity with robust flavors. The name 'Cardinale' means 'Cardinal', and it's believed to have been named after the color of the Cardinal's attire. The red of the tomato sauce and the crimson of the wine used in the dish are reminiscent of the vibrant red robes worn by Cardinals in the Catholic Church. This playful link between color, name, and flavor is a testament to the Italians' love for food and their ability to weave a story around the dining table.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.