Cafe Mokha's bacon penne pasta

Photo: Gregor Richardson
Photo: Gregor Richardson
Ask a Chef reveals the secrets of those superb dishes you ate in cafes and restaurants and wanted to try yourself.

Ingredients
600g penne pasta, cooked, drained and cooled
¾ cup marinated roast red pepper, sliced
1-2 cups baby spinach
1/2 cup shaved or shredded Parmesan (not powdered)
3-4 pieces well-cooked bacon, diced
2-3 Tbsp homemade garlic aioli
2-3 Tbsp plain yoghurt
2-3 Tbsp basil pesto (homemade or store bought)

Aioli
6 free-range egg yolks
50ml Italian white wine vinegar
3 garlic cloves
3 Tbsp whole-grain mustard
salt and pepper
750ml (about) olive or canola oil

Method
Combine the aioli ingredients in a food processor, then slowly drizzle in 750ml of the oil until emulsified. Add a little cold water to lighten the texture or more oil to thicken. Keep refrigerated and use within 4 days.

To make the salad
Place all the ingredients in a large bowl. Gently fold through until the salad is mixed to the desired texture and consistency. Consume within 3 days of making.

Recipe provided by Cafe Mokha, Dunedin. Recipe requested by Rosie Joyce, Outram.

If you have enjoyed a dish in an Otago cafe or restaurant and would like the recipe, write to Ask a Chef, Features, Otago Daily Times, PO Box 517, Dunedin, or email odt.features@odt.co.nz, including your name, address and a daytime telephone number, and we will request it.

Add a Comment

 

Seasons - By Alison Lambert  - Available for purchase now!

The Otago Daily Times and Alison have collaborated to bring you her first cookbook – Seasons.  

This book is the ultimate year-round cookbook. Seasons is filled with versatile recipes designed to inspire creativity in the kitchen, offering plenty of ideas for delicious accompaniments and standout dishes that highlight the best of what each season has to offer.  

 

$49.99 each. Purchase here.

$44.99 for ODT subscribers. Get your discount code here.