Pasta Shells with Corn and Bacon
James Carrier
How to Make It
Step 1
1
In a 6- to 8-quart pan over high heat, bring about 4 quarts water to a boil; add shells and cook, stirring occasionally, until barely tender to bite, 8 to 10 minutes.
Step 2
2
Meanwhile, in a 10- to 12-inch nonstick frying pan over medium-high heat, stir bacon until browned, 4 to 5 minutes. With a slotted spoon, transfer bacon to paper towels to drain.
Step 3
3
Add enough butter to pan to equal about 3 tablespoons fat; when melted, add shallots and stir until limp, 3 to 5 minutes. Add corn, wine, and cream; boil, stirring often, for 5 minutes.
Step 4
4
Drain shells and return to pan. Stir in corn mixture, bacon, and tarragon. Pour into a wide serving bowl.
Step 5
5
Cutting kernels: An average ear of corn weighs from 10 to 14 ounces and yields about 1 cup of kernels. To remove them, with a large, sharp knife, cut off and discard the stem end of each ear down to the beginning of the kernels. Pull off and discard the husks and silks; rinse ears. Holding each ear upright, shear off the kernels close to the cob.
Ingredients
1 pound dried pasta shells (about 1 in. long)
4 ounces bacon, chopped
About 2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup minced shallots
4 cups fresh corn kernels
1 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup whipping cream
1/4 cup chopped fresh tarragon
Directions
Step 1
1
In a 6- to 8-quart pan over high heat, bring about 4 quarts water to a boil; add shells and cook, stirring occasionally, until barely tender to bite, 8 to 10 minutes.
Step 2
2
Meanwhile, in a 10- to 12-inch nonstick frying pan over medium-high heat, stir bacon until browned, 4 to 5 minutes. With a slotted spoon, transfer bacon to paper towels to drain.
Step 3
3
Add enough butter to pan to equal about 3 tablespoons fat; when melted, add shallots and stir until limp, 3 to 5 minutes. Add corn, wine, and cream; boil, stirring often, for 5 minutes.
Step 4
4
Drain shells and return to pan. Stir in corn mixture, bacon, and tarragon. Pour into a wide serving bowl.
Step 5
5
Cutting kernels: An average ear of corn weighs from 10 to 14 ounces and yields about 1 cup of kernels. To remove them, with a large, sharp knife, cut off and discard the stem end of each ear down to the beginning of the kernels. Pull off and discard the husks and silks; rinse ears. Holding each ear upright, shear off the kernels close to the cob.
