Pasta Caper Recipes

Pasta is a primary ingredient used in Italian cuisine. It is native to Italy, but has become a staple food around the world, over the years. Pasta is made of a dough which comprises flour, water and sometimes eggs. Pasta can be prepared in different ways and is usually served with sauce and seasoning. Caper is a prickly, perennial spiny plant that belongs to species Capparis spinosa L. It is native to the Mediterranean region and its pickled, salted bud is used for garnishing and seasoning. Some of the simple and yummy pasta caper recipes are as follows.

Pasta with Olives, Capers, and Parsley
Ingredients

• 1 pound Spaghetti (or other long pasta)
• 6 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 20 oil cured black olives pitted and coarsely chopped
• 2 tbsp capers rinsed and chopped
• 5 cloves garlic minced or pressed
• ½ cup fresh parsley chopped
• ¼ cup ricotta salata cheese (or pecorino) freshly grated (optional)

Preparation
In a large pan, heat the olive oil at medium heat. Saute the garlic for 3 to 4 minutes, till it turns golden. Add the capers, parsley and olives to the pan and saute over low heat for 2-3 minutes. Meanwhile, boil the pasta and once it is done, drain and add the pan mixture to it. Toss well and allow it to rest for 30 seconds. Garnish with cheese before serving.

Mediterranean Chops with Parmesan Orzo
Ingredients

• 4 Boneless pork chops 6 oz. each
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup onions sliced
• 2 tbsp capers drained, crushed
• 1 cup dry orzo pasta
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 cup golden raisins
• ½ cup dry marsala
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1½ cups tomatoes seeded, chopped
• 2 tbsp garlic chopped
• ¼ cup white wine vinegar
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• ½ cup Pimiento-stuffed green olives
• 2 tbsp sugar
• Salt and pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
• Parmesan Orzo
• ¼ cup Parmesan or Asiago grated
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Preparation
Mediterranean Chops: Flavor the chops with salt and pepper and sprinkle flour. In a saute pan, heat oil at medium heat and add the chops. Cook for 5-7 minutes and then remove from the pan. Add onions to the same pan and saute for 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and raisins and saute for a minute. Prepare the pan with the marsala, and add tomatoes, broth, vinegar, sugar, and oregano. Return the chops to the pan and cover with a lid. Reduce the heat to medium low and simmer for 10-12 minutes. Add capers and olives to it. Arrange the chops over the Parmesan Orzo and garnish with parsley and lemon zest before serving.
Parmesan Orzo: Prepare the Orzo as per the package directions. Transfer to a bowl and stir in olive oil, cheese, salt and pepper.

Pasta with Smoked Salmon and Capers
Ingredients

• 1 pound pasta, cooked hard, drained (reserving about ¼ cup of cooking water), and tossed with olive oil
• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 tbsp capers, drained
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 cup whipping cream
• ¼ pound smoked salmon, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Freshly grated imported Parmesan cheese

Preparation
In a frying pan, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add onions and saute for 1-2 minutes. Put smoked salmon and saute until translucent. Pour in the cream and add capers, salt and pepper. Add seasoning as per taste. Now add pasta and toss well. Before serving, garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

These were some sumptuous and enticing pasta caper recipes that are easy to prepare and can be a wonderful treat for your family and friends.