SWISS CHARD FETTUCCINE with Currants, Walnuts, and Brown Butter

(Adapted from Fields of Greens)

• 1/3 cup brown butter (recipe follows)
• 1 tablespoon dried currants
• 2 tablespoons golden raisins
• 1 bunch Swiss chard
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• Salt and pepper
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1/2 pound fresh fettuccine
• 1/3 cup walnut pieces, toasted
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Brown Butter: Melt 1/2 pound unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. As the butter gently simmers, the butter fat and milk solids will separate from each other. The solids will settle to the bottom of the pan, coloring the butter as it cooks. When it turns a rich amber color, in about 8 to 10 minute, remove from the heat. Line a fine-mesh strainer with a paper towel or cheese-clots and pour the butter through it, straining out the solids. The butter can be used immediately or cooled and refrigerated in a sealed container. Makes about 3/4 cup.
  

Make the brown butter and keep it warm over very low heat. Set a large pot of water on the stove to boil. Plump the currants and golden raisins in a small bowl covered with 1/3 cup hot water. Trim the stems from the chard and slice across the leaves to make 2-inch wide ribbons. Heat the olive oil in a large saute pan; add the onion, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and a few pinches of pepper. Saute over medium heat for about 5 minutes, until the onion softens and begins to release its juices. Add the garlic, chard, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Saute for 4 to 5 minutes, until the chard is just barely tender, then reduce the heat to low. When the water boils, add 1 teaspoon salt. Add the fettuccine to the boiling water, timing it to finish cooking with the chard. (The chard should be very tender but not overcooked when the pasta is done.) When the pasta is just tender, drain it immediately in a colander, shake off excess water, and add it to the onions and chard, along with the plumped fruit, walnuts, and brown butter. Toss together and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with freshly grated Parmesan.