Pasta med skinksås.

Pasta med skinksås (pasta with ham sauce) is a delicious and comforting Swedish dish! It’s simple to make, and you get a creamy, savory sauce with just the right touch of ham. Here’s a classic recipe:

Pasta med Skinksås (Pasta with Ham Sauce)

Ingredients:

• 250g pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti work well)

• 200g cooked ham, diced (you can use regular ham, or a smoked ham for extra flavor)

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional, but adds flavor)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons flour (for thickening the sauce)

• 2 cups (500ml) heavy cream (or a mix of cream and milk for a lighter version)

• 1/2 cup (125ml) milk (optional)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• A pinch of nutmeg (optional, but adds a nice touch)

• 1/2 cup grated cheese (preferably a mild cheese like cheddar or a Swedish cheese like Västerbottensost, but any good melting cheese works)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

   • Start by boiling the pasta in salted water according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside, saving a little bit of the pasta water.

2. Prepare the Sauce:

   • In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.

   • Add the chopped onion (if using) and sauté for a few minutes until softened.

   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, making sure it doesn’t burn.

3. Make the Roux:

   • Sprinkle in the flour and stir to combine with the butter, cooking for about 1 minute. This creates the base for your creamy sauce.

4. Add the Cream and Milk:

   • Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add the milk (if using) for a slightly lighter sauce.

   • Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens.

5. Season the Sauce:

   • Add salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg (if you like). Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking.

6. Add the Ham:

   • Stir in the diced ham and let it warm through in the sauce for 2-3 minutes.

7. Combine with Pasta:

   • Add the cooked pasta into the sauce and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little pasta water to loosen it up.

8. Add Cheese:

   • Stir in the grated cheese and let it melt into the sauce for extra creaminess.

9. Serve:

   • Plate the pasta and garnish with some freshly ground black pepper or a bit more grated cheese on top, if desired.

Optional Add-ins:

• Peas: Frozen peas work well and add a nice pop of color.

• Chopped herbs: Fresh parsley or basil can brighten up the dish.

• Mushrooms: If you like mushrooms, sauté a few and add them to the sauce for extra flavor.

This dish is rich, creamy, and so comforting. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a cozy weekend dinner!

Let me know if you try it out or want to tweak anything!