“Occhi Rossi” – Barilla Thick Spaghetti with Red Eye Gravy, Gulf Shrimp, Country Ham, and Fried Okra

Step 1

Cook the Barilla® pasta for half the time indicated on the package. Drain pasta and drizzle with some olive oil to prevent from sticking. Place pasta flat on sheet trays or hotel pans and cool in a blast chiller. Alternatively, cool it down in a walk-in cooler. Store in zip lock bags or sealed plastic container; refrigerate and use within several hours.

Step 2

For each serving, to order: Heat 1/2 Tbsp butter in a skillet and fry 1 oz ham until it's crispy. Remove the ham, leaving in the fat. Add 1/4 c coffee and 2 Tbsp water, scraping up the bits in the pan. Simmer to reduce slightly and season with salt and pepper.

Step 3

Reheat about 2 cups pasta in simmering water. Drain and add it to the skillet with the gravy.

Step 4

Toss 2 Tbsp buttermilk with 2 oz okra, then coat it in 2 Tbsp cornmeal. Deep-fry until crisp. Season with salt.

Step 5

In another skillet, melt 1/2 Tbsp butter and season 2 shrimp with salt and pepper. Sear them in the pan until just cooked through.

Step 6

Fold 2 Tbsp cheese into the pasta and plate it. Set the shrimp on top, garnished with the okra and ham.