| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 645 | 38g | 20g | 61g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 18g | 8g | 14g | 0.2g |
There’s a bit of magic that happens when two diverse culinary worlds blur at the edges, culminating in the creation of a harmonious fusion that, at first, you might not think possible. That’s precisely what happens when you make my Creamy Yautia Horquetas Pasta. This Afro-Southern creation is not only reminiscent of my own cultural roots and storytelling through food, but also carries delightful hints of other flavors from around the world that I have come to appreciate.
The Magic of Fusion
Bringing a bit of Atlanta’s southern comfort and a dash of West African spice to a pasta dish isn’t commonplace. But believe me when I say, the Creamy Yautia Horquetas Pasta is simply worth every bite. This delightful fusion doesn’t merely satisfy the palate but also links you back to my Nigerian ancestry, where taro root—known as Yautia—is a staple. In contrast, Horquetas are the twist; they lend to this dish a distinct Italian influence, thus building an even more complex and delicious connection.
Healthful Indulgence
The Afro-Italian fusion aside, what I particularly love about this recipe is its blend of indulgence and healthful ingredients. It’s comfort food at its heart, with the creaminess of cheese and heavy cream, but the incorporation of fruits like mangoes, strawberries, and blueberries introduces not just freshness and a natural sweetness, but also several nutritional benefits. These fruits bring loads of antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins that make this rich pasta more nourishing than you might initially perceive. Furthermore, Yautia (taro root) is known for its beneficial effects on heart health, digestion, and blood sugar levels. Here’s a source that details more about the healthful goodness of yautia.
That said, what could make this delicious, multicultural dish even better? Pairing it with a refreshing vegetable salad or enjoying it as a surprising side to a traditional herbed roast chicken could escalate it to an unforgettable meal.
How I savor the creamy, flavorful, and wholesome goodness of this Creamy Yautia Horquetas Pasta truly goes beyond its taste. It’s about the fusion experience, the nod to my heritage, and the strategic blend of flavors and nutrients designed to nourish your soul and your body. I hope it brings warmth to your heart and table as it does mine.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of Yautia (taro root), peeled and chopped
- 1 cup of Horquetas (italian pasta noodles)
- 2 tablespoons of Olive oil
- 3 cloves of Garlic, minced
- 1 can of Evaporated Milk (12 oz)
- 1 cup of Heavy Cream
- 1 cup of Grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 2 Mangoes, pitted and cubed
- 1 cup of Strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 cup of Blueberries
- 1/4 cup of Chopped fresh basil
- Zest of 1 Lemon
Method
Step One
Start by washing the yautia (taro root) thoroughly. After this, peel and chop them into small pieces. Set these aside for now.
Step Two
Boil a pot of salted water, and cook the horquetas (Italian pasta noodles) according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step Three
In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add in the garlic, and cook for about 1-2 minutes, or until it becomes fragrant.
Step Four
Add the chopped yautia to the saucepan, and keep it stirring. Cook until they become tender. This might take about 10-15 minutes.
Step Five
Pour in the evaporated milk and heavy cream into the saucepan, and mix well. Let it simmer for a few minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step Six
Add the cooked horquetas to the sauce, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper according to taste, and keep stirring until the cheese has fully melted and the pasta is well coated in sauce.
Step Seven
While the pasta is simmering, prepare the fruits. Peel and cut the mangoes into cubes, slice the strawberries, and wash the blueberries. Mix these fruits together in a bowl.
Step Eight
Once the pasta is ready, top it with the mixed fruits. Sprinkle with chopped fresh basil and lemon zest, and your creamy yautia horquetas pasta is ready to be served.
