Skip to content

I’m A Finalist On Food 52- Pasta Piselli

pasta piselli

pasta piselli

I am so happy and thrilled to be a finalist in the latest contest on Food52, the challenge “Your best recipe with 5 ingredients or fewer”. I submitted my recipe for Pasta Piselli. See below the Food 52 review and my introduction. This dish is so ridiculously easy and quick but very tasty. If you don’t mind voting for me if you are so inclined. I would really appreciate it if you are not already registered you will need to, I guarantee it’s painless, you will not get inundatd with junk at all, I have been a part of the community since 2011 click here to vote, thank you so much I really appreciate it.

Food52 Editors’ Comments: WHO: Sdebrango currently lives in Brooklyn, NY and comes from a large Italian family that loves to cook. WHAT: An easy-peasy Italian pasta for springtime. HOW: Cook peas and fresh pasta in chicken broth, then add in an egg and a hefty serving of Pecorino Romano cheese to bind it all together in a blanket of cheesy goodness. WHY WE LOVE IT: This soup’s depth of flavor belies its short ingredient list and quick cooking time to make it the perfect weeknight meal, courtesy of your pantry. The earthy peas compliment the full-flavored, velvety broth, brightened by a pinch (or two) of lemon zestβ€”we just might make it again for dinner tonight.

I first had this when I lived in Italy. I was invited to a friend’s house for lunch and this soup was served as a first course. (Lunch is a big deal in Italy with multiple courses.) I watched my friend’s grandmother make this soup as it took her just a few minutes and a handful of ingredients: Chicken stock or broth, homemade (or dried) pasta, peas, egg, and grated Pecorino Romano cheese. Note: You can use Parmesan cheese instead of Romano, or mix them.

Pasta Piselli

Serves 2 to 4 depending on serving size

32 ounces (4 cups) chicken broth or stock
1 cup fresh or frozen peas
1/2 pound fresh pasta (I used linguine but capellini or spaghetti works just as well. If you don’t have fresh, dried works great, also.)
1 large egg, beaten
1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano, plus some to serve (Parmesan also works.)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Pinch of lemon zest (optional)

Directions:
If using fresh pasta, bring the broth or stock to a boil in a large saucepan, add the peas, and cook for 3 minutes. Add the fresh pasta and cook for about 3 minutes. If using dried pasta, add the pasta into the broth before the peas. Cook the pasta for 3 minutes, then add the peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
In a small bowl, beat the egg then add the grated cheese and combine. Remove pot from the heat and pour the egg mixture in slowly, while continuing to stir the pasta to coat. Add salt and pepper to taste, and a pinch of lemon zest if you like. Serve with more cheese grated on top.

Photo by Bobbi Lin for Food52

Photo by Bobbi Lin for Food52

134 Comments Post a comment
  1. Simply Vegetarian777's avatar

    πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘β€οΈβ€οΈβ€οΈβ€οΈβ€οΈβ€οΈ
    Woohoo Suzanne! I voted just now. Absolutely fantastic news. Hope you win.
    More power to you my dear ❀️

    April 9, 2015
  2. Queen Sashy's avatar

    Yay!!! Off to vote!

    April 9, 2015
  3. hafong's avatar

    congrats! Voted but not sure if it worked.

    Lily

    April 9, 2015
    • apuginthekitchen's avatar

      Thank you so much. You will know if it worked because it will say “you voted for this recipe” if not it doesn’t matter just the fact that you tried means the world to me.

      April 9, 2015
      • hafong's avatar

        I figured it out and logged in to vote successfully.

        April 9, 2015
  4. The Wimpy Vegetarian's avatar

    Many congrats to you, Suzanne!!! On my way to vote for you. This reminds me of a carbonara – I just posted one this morning with asparagus, so we’re on the same wavelength today :-). Good luck in the contest!!!!

    April 9, 2015
    • apuginthekitchen's avatar

      Oh yum love carbonara. Can’t wait to see that recipe and thank you so much.

      April 9, 2015
  5. Michelle Williams's avatar

    Congratulations!!! This is a perfect spring dish with a crisp white wine. I will be making this soon! Thank you & good luck!!!

    April 9, 2015
  6. Teagan Riordain Geneviene's avatar

    Suzanne, this looks so delicious, i think i can smell it! And the plate is the perfect complement too. I’ve just voted, and it brightened this gloomy day to get into the team spirit of voting for you. Huge hugs. πŸ™‚

    April 9, 2015
  7. Teagan Riordain Geneviene's avatar

    Oops — by the way… what could i substitute for the egg? (I’m allergic…) Or would it work well enough to just leave out the egg?

    April 9, 2015
    • apuginthekitchen's avatar

      Leave the egg out completely, won’t alter the recipe in the slightest.

      April 9, 2015
  8. em-i-lis's avatar

    I’m so excited for you, Suzanne. I love this soup- have made it many times. GREAT recipe! BRAVO!!

    April 9, 2015
  9. georgiecakes's avatar

    Wonderful! Wishing you the best of luck!

    April 9, 2015
  10. illcookyouwash's avatar

    Congrats & good luck, Suzuanne! I hope you win!

    April 9, 2015
  11. Francesca's avatar

    Congratulations Suzanne! πŸ‘
    Your stunning dish sure deserves to win.
    Wishing you the best of luck and keeping my fingers crossed for you!

    April 9, 2015
    • apuginthekitchen's avatar

      It’s the battle of the Italians, the other finalist who is wonderful, has a zabaglione. Thanks Francesca.

      April 9, 2015
  12. What Jessica Baked Next's avatar

    Looks divine! Big congrats, Suzanne! Well done! πŸ˜€ xx

    April 9, 2015
  13. bbqman001's avatar

    I voted for you…… Good luck on winning

    April 9, 2015
  14. Chef Amy G's avatar

    Fantastic Suzanne, I love it and just voted!!!! πŸ™‚

    April 9, 2015
  15. Cheryl "Cheffie Cooks" Wiser's avatar

    Wonderful – happy to vote!!! Hope you WIN!!! Your Florida Bud, Cheryl ps Hugs to Nando! X

    April 9, 2015
  16. oceanviewkitchen's avatar

    πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘ Congrats and good luck! Hope you win! Voting for you:)

    April 9, 2015
  17. Heather's avatar

    Congratulations Suzanne! Five ingredient recipes are always fun for those evenings when you need dinner 10 minutes ago πŸ˜‰ Off to go vote for you now!!

    April 9, 2015
    • apuginthekitchen's avatar

      Yes thats exactly it, perfect when you have little time but want a warm homemade meal. Thanks so much.

      April 9, 2015
  18. skd's avatar
    skd #

    Congratulations Suzanne! Going to vote. All the best.

    April 9, 2015
  19. Just Add Attitude's avatar

    Congratulations, I have just voted. Lots of luck! πŸ˜‰

    April 9, 2015
  20. trucvert's avatar

    Congratulations! Looks like a lovely recipe – best of luck with the competition πŸ™‚

    April 9, 2015
  21. Maria DeBrango Stickel's avatar
    Maria DeBrango Stickel #

    Great news and I voted for you!!!
    Maria

    April 9, 2015
  22. Gerlinde @ sunnycovechef's avatar

    Congratulation, I just voted. It looks like a great dish.

    April 9, 2015
  23. Traditionally Modern Food's avatar
    Traditionally Modern Food #

    Congrts Suzanne:-) hoping to thr page and for ng for you

    April 9, 2015
  24. Margherita's avatar

    Congrats Suzanne! I’m going to support your pasta and piselli…. I love this kind of dishes of Italian tradition…. they are not so well known, but they should be!

    April 9, 2015
    • apuginthekitchen's avatar

      Margy thank you so much, yes this is an old recipe, I had never heard of it before I saw it made while I was in Italy, it’s so simple to make with few ingredients and so delicious.

      April 9, 2015
  25. vinoinlove's avatar

    Congratulations, Suzanne! That’s so great! The recipe looks very delicious and I’ll definitely try your version of Pasta Piselli soon πŸ™‚ The directions seem simple which is great for a Pasta dish in my opinion.
    Of course, I also voted for you. Cheers!

    April 9, 2015
    • apuginthekitchen's avatar

      Thank you so much Julian. yes the recipe is so simple but in my opinion simple is almost always the best especially when it comes to pasta dishes. Very much appreciate the vote. Thank you.

      April 9, 2015
  26. Marcela (tortadellafiglia)'s avatar

    OMG! Congrats, Suzanne! The recipe looks so delicious! Love it! I am trying to vote, but I don’t have any confirmation that I did… Gonna try on other device πŸ™‚

    April 9, 2015
    • apuginthekitchen's avatar

      Hi Marcela, thank you so much. You have to register on food52 or your vote is not recorded. I so appreciate it. Thank you so much.

      April 9, 2015
  27. Chitra Jagadish's avatar

    Looks delightful.. A big Congrats dear Suzanne. .. happy to vote!!

    April 9, 2015
  28. Johnny Hepburn's avatar

    Well done! Not surprised this was picked. With a really good broth this would be delicious. Dangerous for me, to eat in public! I’d need to be hosed down afterwards. I’m such a mess with food ATM, with wonky wisdom teeth. Best to slurp this at home! πŸ™‚ Off to vote!

    April 9, 2015
  29. Fae's Twist & Tango's avatar

    Congratulations, Suzanne! Pasta Piselli looks very delectable. I’m off to vote for you! πŸ™‚

    April 9, 2015
  30. Fae's Twist & Tango's avatar

    Congratulations, Suzanne! Pasta Piselli looks very delectable. Good Luck… I’m off to vote for you! πŸ™‚

    April 9, 2015
  31. Angie | Fiesta Friday's avatar

    How could you and this recipe not win? This is clearly the best 5-ingredient recipe there is and you are the friendliest person online! Who happens to be an awesome cook! It looks like you’re already 1k ahead of the other person, but I decided to add my one vote all the same πŸ˜ƒπŸ˜ƒ. Big congrats, Suzanne! I think a toast is in order!

    April 9, 2015
    • apuginthekitchen's avatar

      Thank you so much, you’re just too sweet. The recipe is so simple it’s almost not a recipe at all. If I win I’ll bring the champagne to FF next week and we’ll toast.

      April 9, 2015
  32. Josette@thebrookcook's avatar

    I am SO so SO so SO impressed!! Woo hoo!! Love this- need to vote ASAP! Love Food 52. You & your dish are awesome!

    April 9, 2015
    • apuginthekitchen's avatar

      Thank you so much Josette. I love Food 52 also, have been there a long time and I always learn from them and the great community and have fun at the same time.

      April 9, 2015
  33. Viviana's avatar

    You have my vote! Delicious Suzanne!

    April 9, 2015
  34. Hilda's avatar

    I am pleased to give you my vote and my congratulations on your success with this great recipe!

    April 9, 2015
  35. Rewildhood's avatar

    Just voted for you and my-oh-my it looks fantastic!!!!

    April 10, 2015
  36. Food Daydreaming's avatar
    elamb #

    Yay for you!! I just voted πŸ™‚ Love, love, love pasta piselli!!

    April 10, 2015
  37. chefjulianna's avatar

    This is just so awesome, Suzanne! The recipe looks just amazing! I am going to vote for you right now! Good luck! πŸ˜€

    April 10, 2015
  38. Jane's Patisserie's avatar

    It looks amazing and I am definitely making it soon! Voted as well, good luck! x

    April 10, 2015
  39. Sonal Kalra's avatar

    That’s great news! Congratulations! Just voted! I had to ❀️ it right? Just confirming ☺️

    April 10, 2015
    • apuginthekitchen's avatar

      Thank you so much Sonal.

      April 10, 2015
      • Sonal Kalra's avatar

        We had to ❀️ it ? I hope I’ve done the right thing! Is that considered a vote?

        April 10, 2015
      • apuginthekitchen's avatar

        Hi Sonal, no hearting doesn’t count as a vote. First you have to register on Food52 and be signed in, then you click on the “Vote for this recipe” on the voting page the link I provided. You will get a prompt asking if you are voting for that recipe, click yes and it will say “you voted for this recipe”. Thanks so much Sonal.

        April 10, 2015
  40. Ginger's avatar

    OMG – you did it! Congratulations and I will so vote for you – and then make the dish, it sounds and looks amazing!

    April 10, 2015
  41. Stefano's avatar

    This is awesome, Suzanne: big time congrats on making it to the final! Well done!
    Plus, I love peas! πŸ™‚

    April 10, 2015
  42. Elaine @ foodbod's avatar

    Fabulous! Good luck x x x x

    April 10, 2015
  43. Kia / KTS's avatar

    I concur with some of the other commenters, I am not surprised at all. Your food is amazing. And I know you’re going to win ;).

    Kay of Pure & Complex
    http://www.purecomplex.com

    April 10, 2015
  44. petitepaniere's avatar

    Congratulations and wishing you the best Suzanne πŸ™‚ I just voted.

    April 10, 2015
  45. Cecilia's avatar

    Congratulations! I’m very happy for you. Your recipe is just absolutely great, it will make its way into my personal cookbook. I would have voted for you, but didn’t find out how. Take it as my virtual vote. And keep cooking!

    April 10, 2015
  46. Sarah 'n Spice's avatar

    Congrats!!! I voted πŸ™‚ This is such a simple and delicious looking dish. Definitely giving it a try!

    April 10, 2015
  47. EGWolf's avatar

    Hooooooray! I voted! Trying it tonight…

    April 10, 2015
  48. nancyc's avatar

    Congratulations–that’s so exciting! This looks like a wonderful dish!

    April 10, 2015
  49. Gather and Graze's avatar

    That’s fantastic Suzanne! Wishing you all the best with your very yummy Pasta Piselli – I’ve just gone in and voted for you. Can’t wait to hear the results! πŸ™‚

    April 12, 2015
  50. thisgotmyattention's avatar

    Congrats! I can see why. You whip up some awfully good looking and sounding dishes!

    April 12, 2015
    • apuginthekitchen's avatar

      Thanks so much Mike, very kind of you.

      April 12, 2015
      • thisgotmyattention's avatar

        I wish I had a little talent in the kitchen!

        April 12, 2015
      • apuginthekitchen's avatar

        You may not possess the talent you would like in the kitchen but your blog is thought provoking and interesting and I enjoy every post. That’s talent too,

        April 12, 2015
  51. Stephanie @ The Cozy Cook's avatar
    Stephanie @ The Cozy Cook #

    WOWWWWWW congratulations on being a finalist!!! I totaalllyyyy just voted and really hope you win!!! Let us know. You better- this dish is amazing!!!

    April 12, 2015
  52. Cindy's avatar

    Read and voted. Love this dish. Good luck!

    April 13, 2015
  53. Sweet and Savoury Pursuits's avatar

    Congratulations, this dish looks delicious, simple is always best!

    April 13, 2015
  54. FrugalHausfrau's avatar

    I was so glad I wasn’t too late to vote! I love the simplicity of this recipe, how quick it is to make and the fact that most ingredients are probably ones that can be easily scrounged up at a moment’s notice without a shopping trip! (Frugal, too!)

    It looks divine! πŸ™‚ and good luck!

    April 15, 2015
    • apuginthekitchen's avatar

      Thank you yes it is so simple and inexpensive to make and it’s true most of the ingredients are available right in our pantries.

      April 15, 2015
  55. FrugalHausfrau's avatar

    I forgot to mention, yes, I voted! ah, for you!! πŸ™‚

    April 15, 2015
  56. Foodie Baker's avatar

    Wow Suzanne congratulations! This looks amazing!

    April 15, 2015
  57. Shari's avatar

    I just went to the site to vote, and it said that you are the winner! Congratulations, Suzanne! That is fantastic! The recipe looks wonderful. I can’t wait to try it!

    April 15, 2015
  58. Rhonda Sittig's avatar

    This is awesome Suzanne!! I’m too late to vote (ugh) but you won!! It does look like a delicious weekend recipe. thanks. SO glad for you!

    April 20, 2015
  59. StefanGourmet's avatar

    This looks like a great recipe that I will surely try. I wonder though how you could have entered an 8-ingredient recipe in a 5 or fewer ingredient contest?

    May 5, 2015
    • apuginthekitchen's avatar

      Hi Stefan you don’t count salt and pepper or the optional lemon zest it’s considered seasoning.

      May 5, 2015
      • apuginthekitchen's avatar

        In the contests water and seasoning are freebies, thank you so much.

        May 5, 2015
      • StefanGourmet's avatar

        Ah that makes sense. Most Italian recipes have few ingredients. A recipe for ragΓΉ di salsiccia from around Bologna is amazing: just salsiccia, tomatoes, and wine. The seasoning and fat are already in the salsiccia. With water, flour, and salt you have a primo piatto (gramigna al ragΓΉ di salsiccia, recipe is on my blog).

        May 5, 2015
      • apuginthekitchen's avatar

        Ohhhh that sounds delicious, will definitely check that out.

        May 5, 2015
  60. weebluemixer's avatar
    weebluemixer #

    This looks like yummy and such as simple recipe. Congrats on your win.

    February 24, 2016

Leave a reply to vinoinlove Cancel reply