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Fettuccine with Cucumbers and Mint

Contributed by and
  • ACTIVE:
  • TOTAL TIME:
  • SERVINGS: 2
  • •FAST
  • •HEALTHY
  • •VEGETARIAN

  1. 3 kirby cucumbers (about 1 pound)
  2. 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  3. Kosher salt
  4. 1/2 pound imported dried fettuccine, tagliatelle, or spaghettini
  5. 1/2 cup loosely packed shredded fresh mint
  1. Fill a stockpot with 6 quarts of water, cover, and bring to a boil.
  2. Peel the cucumbers and halve them lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds. Slice the cucumbers crosswise 1/4 inch thick.
  3. In a large skillet, combine the butter, cucumbers, and 1 teaspoon salt. Cook over moderately high heat, tossing frequently, until the cucumbers are tender but still slightly crisp, about 5 minutes.
  4. Meanwhile, add 3 1/2 tablespoons salt to the boiling water and add the fettuccine. Cover partially until the water just returns to a boil, then uncover, stir the pasta, and cook until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
  5. Add the fettuccine to the cucumbers and toss over moderate heat to coat the strands with butter. Add some of the pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, to moisten if necessary. Remove from the heat, add the mint and toss. Serve immediately.

Suggested Pairing

A lovely Pinot Bianco or a Mül;ller-Thurgau from Italy would complement this delicate dish.