This might just be the prettiest plate of pasta I've ever made
A recipe for corn, 'nduja and mozzarella cappellacci
no.12
Corn, ‘Nduja and Mozzarella Cappellacci
Today’s newsletter is all about inspiration. Thinking back to when I first started pasta Sunday IRL, each week I would research and test different recipes, shapes, sauces etc, and set myself a Sunday project. One cookbook that was by my side throughout that period, was Thomas McNaughton’s Flour + Water. If you don’t have this book in your arsenal, I highly recommend grabbing a copy
In that book - nestled right in the middle pages - is a recipe for a sweetcorn filled cappelletti, served in a beautiful, buttery emulsion. It’s one of Flour + Water’s signature dishes, and after making it at home in my own kitchen, I instantly understood why it never comes off the menu.
This dish truly is an ode to that. Utilising similar preparation principles, a delicious combination of corn and mozzarella is lightly spiced by the addition of ‘nduja. A corn stock is made with the leftover cobs, simmered until reduced and rich, then used as the base to make a beurre monté style emulsion. Basil to garnish, a sprinkling of Parmigiano Reggiano - it is SO pretty on the plate and a perfect sweet/savoury hit *swoons*. 1
Shaping cappellacci
Pretty much as you would shape cappelletti (cappellacci’s circular cousin, if you will), we start by creating a half fold and seal. Push the filling into the outer seal and bring the two corner edges together to create a collar. I always like to press down on the filling to create a smooth top - perfect for sauce catching.
Suggested Wine Pairing
Given the sweetness of corn, paired with the added butter/mozzarella in this dish, I think it’s only right to match this dish with something a little more dry, like a dry Riesling or Savvy B (that’s Sauvignon Blanc to the proper folk reading this).
A light and acidic wine is a must for cutting through the richness that the butter and cheese brings, almost cleansing the palette between bites - it will 100% encourage you to enjoy more!
Sunday Soundtrack
Everything I’ve been listening to on repeat this week - it’s vibey! Turn it up and get kneading.
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