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Farfelle Aglio Olio with celery leaves and crumbled paneer

A minimalistic Aglio Olio dish flavoured with celery leaves, with a sprinkling of homemade cheese. A quick and easy dinner!
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Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups celery leaves, picked, washed thoroughly
  • 1/2 litre Paneer milk from cow's or cubes half cup
  • cup pasta A dried short (I used Farfalle)
  • 2 tbsps olive oil
  • 6 - 8 cloves garlic , crushed and minced
  • 3 chillies dried red , crumbled or finely chopped (1-2 tsp of chilli flakes).
  • 1 tsp basil parsley each dried and .
  • Parmesan cheese (optional).

Method
 

  1. In a large pot, boil water with salt and 1 tsp oil for the pasta and cook as per instructions on pack.
  2. Finely shred the celery leaves.
  3. Meanwhile, pour 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large wok, once moderately hot, add minced garlic and chilli flakes.
  4. Saute for a few seconds, then add the shredded celery greens. Once the greens wilt (1-2 minutes), add the crumbled or cubed paneer. Sprinkle salt and pepper, along with any dried herbs of your choice.
  5. Toss gently for 1-2 minutes.
  6. Once the pasta is done, drain and add to the wok.
  7. Toss well to coat. Check for salt and adjust.
  8. Serve hot with a topping of freshly grated parmesan cheese.

Notes

Making Paneer
In a vessel, bring the milk to a boil. When it comes to a boil, add a tbsp of white vinegar stirring continuously till the milk separates into solids and clear whey. If the whey is too milky, add some more vinegar and stir. Filter out using a sieve or a muslin cloth and press to remove excess liquid. Cover in layers of clean kitchen towel and keep a heavy weight on the top, such as a marble slab. Cut into cubes to use immediately or refrigerate in an airtight box with some whey.
Variations
Minus the celery leaves and paneer, this becomes a simple aglio olio pasta dish, which is one of the easiest pasta dishes to make. No chopping, saucing required.
Adding some toasted pine nuts or walnuts towards the end, adds an extra texture and taste to the dish.
In place of celery leaves, feel free to use any of your local greens, or herbs like fennel greens, basil, or even vegetable greens like carrot tops or cauliflower leaves.
Shopping guide
Farfalle pasta made from durum wheat - from Waitrose Aisle of Hypercity, Cyberabad.
Celery with greens - Spar, Begumpet.
Parmesan Cheese by weight available at Spar, Begumpet.
Dried herbs - Fabindia, Keya's herbs available at most supermarkets.