Frascatelli With Parsley, Garlic And Pecorino

Ingredients

• 4 cups semolina; more for optional dusting
• Salt
• ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 teaspoon finely minced fresh red chili
• 2 tablespoons minced flat-leaf parsley leaves
• ½ cup grated pecorino Romano
• Dried red pepper flakes, optional

6 servings

Preparation

1. On a work surface, spread semolina in a layer 1/2 inch thick. Have a bowl containing a quart of cold water ready. Line a large baking sheet with sides with parchment or waxed paper.
2. Dip the fingers of one hand into cold water, and sprinkle semolina by flicking water off your hand. Repeat until semolina is well-speckled with droplets but not saturated. Use a dough scraper or spatula to gather semolina lightly into a mound. You will see tiny clumps of dough form. Place all the semolina in a large strainer, and sift it back over work surface. Spread tiny clumps that are left in strainer on baking sheet.
3. Repeat Step 2 three or four times, until almost all the semolina is in clumps on baking sheet. The last quarter cup or so will be too damp to continue and should be discarded. If not cooking pasta immediately, sprinkle it lightly with additional semolina, and cover it loosely with a clean cloth. It can be left up to 24 hours.
4. Bring 4 quarts of well-salted water to a boil. Dump pasta clumps in and cook about a minute, until water just about returns to boil.
5. Place olive oil in a 4-quart sauté pan or shallow saucepan. While pasta cooks, warm olive oil over medium heat and add garlic and fresh chili so they start to sizzle.
6. Use a skimmer to drain pasta from boiling water and transfer it to the pan with oil. Some moisture should be left clinging to pasta. Alternatively, reserve about 3 cups of pasta water, then drain pasta in a colander.
7. Gently stir pasta in oil for a few minutes, gradually adding enough pasta water to keep mixture quite moist, like a risotto. Fold in parsley, 4 tablespoons cheese and, if desired, dried pepper flakes. Divide among 6 soup plates, dust each portion with remaining cheese and serve.