Angel Hair with Ham and Baby Peas - Apr 9, 2004

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Angel Hair with Ham and Baby Peas

12 oz Angel Hair, uncooked
1 10-oz. box frozen baby peas, defrosted OR 2 1/4 cups cooked peas, divided
1 1/2 cups 1% milk
1 Tbs all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
2 tsp vegetable oil
1 small red onion, peeled and sliced very thin (about 1/2 cup)
2 cups chopped extra-lean ham
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. While pasta is cooking, combine 1/2 cup of the peas, milk, flour, salt and pepper in a blender jar or food processor. Blend until very smooth. Add remaining peas (without blending) and set aside.

2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and ham and cook, tossing, until onion is tender, about 5 minutes. Add milk mixture, reduce heat to low and simmer 3 minutes, stirring constantly.

3. When pasta is done, drain well, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta cooking liquid. Add ham sauce and reserved pasta cooking liquid. Stir over low heat until pasta is coated with sauce.

4. Transfer to a serving platter or plates. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and serve, passing Parmesan cheese separately.

Servings: 5