"Priest Stranglers" with Pistachio Pesto, Pistachio Crumb & Parmigiano Reggiano

Story

Strozzapreti surely sit top of the tree as far as colourful backstories go. Literally meaning 'strangle-priests', there are a few theories as to their origin. Perhaps a reference to gluttonous overindulgence as certain clergymen would munch so quickly they would choke. Perhaps a reference to the 'twisting' motion employed when crafting these shapes by hand. Or, perhaps less vividly, simply a reference to the traditional 'dog collar' - a priest's 'choker'.

Whatever the origin, these twisted tubes need a colourful sauce to match, and they have it in spades thanks to our innovative pistachio pesto. This is a gorgeous pesto in appearance, flecked prettily with pink and green pistachio pieces, promising to transport you to the Sicilian countryside in summertime. But it's the taste of this dish that distinguishes it as one of our most beautiful: the pesto is at once subtle yet incredible in its flavour, achieved through the use of one of Sicily's most famous products: beautiful Bronte pistachios.

These nuts have such unique characteristics that they even distinguish themselves from other Sicilian pistachios with the moniker pistachia vera – the ‘true’ pistachio. Indeed, their esteem within the local economy is underlined by another nickname: ‘green gold’. With vibrant green-red colours and a strong taste from the baking-hot but mineral-rich volcanic soil around Bronte (near Mt Etna), pistachios adorn both sweet and savoury dishes across Sicily, and even have their own yearly community festival, the Sagra del Pistacchio. This week, serve with a scattering of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and pistachio crumb. 

Ingredients

Allergens in Bold and Underlined:

Recipe Card

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Nutrition