Green Spaghetti, also known as Espagueti Verde, is a unique Mexican dish that stands out for its vibrant color and creamy, flavorful sauce made from roasted poblano peppers, cilantro, and cream. This pasta dish brings together the richness of creamy textures with the slight smokiness of roasted peppers, offering a delightful culinary experience. Here’s a detailed look at how to make this delicious recipe at home.
Ingredients Overview
The main ingredients in Espagueti Verde include:
- Poblano peppers: These mild, slightly smoky peppers are the heart of the sauce. They provide the vibrant green color and a subtle depth of flavor.
- Cream: Traditionally, the recipe uses heavy cream, sour cream, or Mexican crema, giving the sauce its creamy texture.
- Cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note to balance out the richness of the cream and peppers.
- Cheese: Cotija or queso fresco is often crumbled on top, adding a salty, crumbly texture to the dish.
- Garlic and Onion: These are sautéed to enhance the savory profile of the dish.
- Spaghetti: While this recipe typically uses spaghetti, feel free to substitute with other pasta types like linguine or fettuccine.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Roasting the Poblano Peppers: Start by roasting four large poblano peppers. You can roast them directly over a gas flame or under the broiler until the skins blister and blacken. This process adds a wonderful smokiness to the dish. Once roasted, place the peppers in a covered bowl or a sealed plastic bag for about 20 minutes. This step helps the skins loosen, making it easier to peel them. Once the peppers have cooled, remove the skins, stems, and seeds, and roughly chop them.
- Making the Green Sauce: In a blender, combine the roasted poblanos, a chopped onion, garlic, sour cream, cream cheese, and fresh cilantro. Some versions add a jalapeño or serrano pepper for extra heat, but this is optional. Blend the mixture until smooth, and season with salt and pepper. The resulting sauce should be creamy, smooth, and richly green.
- Cooking the Spaghetti: While the sauce is being prepared, cook 12 ounces of spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain the spaghetti and set it aside.
- Combining the Sauce and Pasta: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the blended poblano sauce and simmer for a few minutes until it’s heated through. Stir occasionally to ensure it doesn’t stick to the pan. Once the sauce is ready, toss in the cooked spaghetti, ensuring each strand is thoroughly coated with the green sauce.
- Serving: Serve the spaghetti hot, garnished with crumbled queso fresco or Cotija cheese and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro. For added richness, some recipes suggest serving it alongside grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon.
Recipe Variations and Tips
- Vegan Option: If you’re looking to make a vegan version, substitute the cream and cheese with plant-based alternatives like cashew cream or almond milk, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.
- Spicier Version: Add roasted jalapeños or serrano peppers to the sauce for a spicier kick. Poblano peppers are mild, so adding these can take the heat up a notch.
- Additional Vegetables: You can add sautéed vegetables like spinach or zucchini to the sauce to enhance its nutritional value and flavor.
Storage and Reheating
Green spaghetti can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you have leftover sauce, you can store it separately for up to five days. When reheating, add a tablespoon of milk to keep the sauce creamy and prevent it from drying out.
Nutritional Benefits
This dish is relatively rich, with about 374 calories per serving, primarily due to the cream and cheese used in the sauce. However, it can be modified to suit various dietary preferences. For a lighter version, reduce the amount of cream or substitute with a plant-based alternative.
Conclusion
Green spaghetti is a delightful fusion of pasta with traditional Mexican flavors. It’s a versatile dish that can be made mild or spicy, with plenty of room for customization. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or a side, this recipe will bring a fresh, vibrant twist to your dinner table. Enjoy your culinary adventure with Espagueti Verde!
