Spaghetti with Peas, Prosciutto and Parmesan

Giant English peas are flooding our farmers markets up here. They are so late this year because of the terrible weather we have had. I can’t help but buy bags of them when I see them, it is so nostalgic to sit around shelling peas with your kids. That was one of the “jobs” doled out to my younger brother and I when we were kids. We would grow them and then shell them- very self sustainable! Huh?

Anyways, I have a soft spot for peas, and when they are paired with my husband’s favorite Salumi prosciutto it is a pasta match made in heaven!

Spaghetti with Peas, Prosciutto and Parmesan
1lb spaghetti
4 Tbs butter
½ a large shallot, minced
1 large garlic clove
2 lbs shelled fresh peas, (this will yield about 2 cups)
4oz of prosciutto, thinly sliced, and then julienned lengthwise into ribbons about 1/8” thick.
2 lemons
¼ cup fresh chives, minced
1 cup freshly, finely grated parmesan
kosher salt and black pepper

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. When you put the spaghetti in, you will have about 9 minutes to get everything ready, so have all of your ingredients prepared and ready to go.

In a medium sauce pan, melt the butter over medium heat and add the shallots and garlic. Sprinkle with kosher salt and let them sweat for a few minutes.

Add the peas and stirring often, let them cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until they are just cooked and bright green.

Reserve a cup of the pasta water and then drain the spaghetti. Add the spaghetti right back into the pot it was boiled in. Squeeze 1 lemon into the peas, and then pour the peas and shallots over the pasta. Add the prosciutto and the chives and toss.

If the pasta seems dry, add the water a little at a time until you have reached a good consistency. Add about ½ cup of the parmesan and toss more. This is where you start the seasoning. Adjust the flavor with salt and pepper, and if desired (I like it) the juice from the additional lemon. Serve hot on a large platter with the rest of the cheese sprinkled over the top.

Enjoy!