Directions
Celebrating with Creative Cuisine: The Joy of Christmas Cooking
The Christmas season presents the perfect opportunity to showcase our culinary creativity, delighting our loved ones with exceptional and flavorful dishes. One irresistible option for the Christmas Eve feast is undoubtedly the cappellacci filled with shrimp and artichokes. This recipe beautifully marries the traditional concept of fresh pasta with a touch of innovation and sophistication, transforming every bite into an unparalleled taste experience.
The Significance of Fresh Pasta in Christmas Traditions
July, August, September… each month brings its own gastronomic traditions, yet Christmas holds a special place in the hearts of Italians. Fresh pasta symbolizes togetherness and love, and cappellacci represent one of the most enchanting and delicious forms of pasta. By incorporating fresh spinach into the dough, these vibrant green “hats” not only capture the eye but also provide a unique flavor that complements the shrimp and artichoke filling perfectly.
Ingredients for Shrimp and Artichoke Cappellacci
To prepare these delectable cappellacci, the following ingredients are essential:
For the Pasta:
- 300 g of 00 flour
- 3 eggs
- 150 g of fresh spinach
- Salt as needed
- A drizzle of olive oil
For the Filling:
- 300 g of shrimp
- 2 artichokes
- 1 potato
- 1 carrot
- 1/2 onion
- 1 stalk of celery
- Olive oil
- Marjoram to taste
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
- Cognac (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Making Fresh Pasta
The preparation of cappellacci begins with creating the fresh pasta. Blanch the spinach in salted water, and once cooked, transfer it to a bowl of ice water to preserve its stunning green color. After draining, blend the spinach with the eggs, a pinch of salt, and a drizzle of olive oil until smooth.
On a clean work surface, create a mound with the flour and pour the spinach mixture into the center. Start mixing with a fork and then knead with your hands until the dough is smooth and firm. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Preparing the Filling
While the dough is resting, focus on the filling. Boil the potato until tender. Clean the shrimp and set aside the shells. In a pot, sauté chopped carrot, onion, and celery in a little oil, adding the shrimp shells to enhance the flavor.
Next, introduce marjoram and tomato paste, allowing everything to toast for a few minutes before deglazing with cognac if desired. Add cold water and ice, and let it cook for about 25 minutes. Strain the broth and reduce it over heat.
Now, prepare the artichokes by removing the tough outer leaves and slicing the hearts into wedges, keeping them in lemon water to prevent browning. In a pan with olive oil and a crushed garlic clove, cook the artichokes until tender, then mix in the chopped shrimp and mashed potato, seasoning with salt and pepper.
Assembling the Cappellacci
With both the pasta and filling ready, you can start assembling the cappellacci. Roll out the pasta using a rolling pin or pasta machine to about 1/8 to 1/12 inch thick. Cut squares of approximately 6×6 cm with a pastry cutter. Place a small dollop of filling in the center of each square.
Fold the pasta into a triangle and seal the edges tightly to prevent the filling from escaping during cooking. At this point, bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
Cooking and Serving the Cappellacci
Once the water is boiling, add the cappellacci and cook until they float to the surface, which should only take a few minutes. Drain the cappellacci directly into the pan with your reduced broth, allowing them to absorb the flavors for a couple of minutes. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil and serve hot, garnishing the plates with fresh marjoram leaves.
Conclusion
The shrimp and artichoke cappellacci become the centerpiece of your Christmas dinner, merging the delicate textures of fresh pasta with a rich, flavorful stuffing. This recipe not only enhances your festive menu but also brings a gourmet touch to the table, ensuring each guest enjoys the love and passion poured into preparing such an extraordinary dish. Enjoy your meal and have a wonderful Christmas!
