| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 358 | 12g | 4g | 52g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 7g | 4g | 12g | 0.41g |
From my coastal home in Portland, Maine, where seafood is the word of the day, every day, it’s always refreshing to switch up the culinary narrative and dive into other vibrant flavors. One such delight is the Spicy Kurrat and Tomato Pasta. An explosion of vegetable-based goodness with a feisty kick, this dish reminds me, a bit sentimentally, of cooking spaghetti with my daughters Erin and Samantha on an unusually chilly New England evening.
Flavor Profile
The real stars of this heart-warming dish are the tomatoes and kurrat, two vibrant ingredients that paint a rich tapestry of tang and zest on your taste buds. Garlic, red onion, and a dash of crushed red pepper flakes give it that lovely touch of warmth while basil leaves create a perfect symphony of aromatics. The undertones of sharp Parmesan cheese and a squeeze of lemon heighten the taste profile just enough to enthrall your senses without overwhelming them.
Healthy and Delicious
The Spicy Kurrat and Tomato Pasta is not just delicious, but is also packed full of health benefits. Olive oil, a key component of this dish, is celebrated widely for its heart-health benefits. Tomatoes are rich in the antioxidant lycopene, which has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease and cancer. What’s more, the heat from the crushed red pepper flakes can boost metabolism and promote better digestive health. And we can’t forget about garlic, whose potent medicinal properties can combat sickness like the common cold and help reduce blood pressure.
If you’re someone who tends to miss out on the pure, hearty goodness of vegetables, this recipe will surely change your mind. Even my seafood-loving palate, steeped as it is in the salt-kissed flavors of the Atlantic, can’t resist the succulent blast of fresh, garden-harvested delight that this pasta dish brings to the plate.
If you find yourself reminiscing the spicy charm of Arrabbiata sauce, or the vegetable-laden wonder of Primavera, you will find yourself easily at home with the Spicy Kurrat and Tomato Pasta. It even goes perfectly as a side with grilled Fish or an aromatic roast chicken to balance out the heat.
Take a break from your usual menu and dive into the colorful realm of vegetables with this stunning pasta dish. Cooking it is a joy, eating it – even more so.
What You’ll Need
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium red onion, diced
- 3 kurrat, chopped
- 2 lbs ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
Method
Step One
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta but reserve about a cup of pasta water.
Step Two
While the spaghetti is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped kurrat to the skillet and cook for about 3 minutes, or until they become fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
Step Three
To the skillet, add the diced red onion, stirring well to combine with the garlic and kurrat. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
Step Four
Next, add the diced tomatoes to the skillet. Sprinkle over the crushed red pepper flakes and stir well to combine. Let the tomatoes cook for about 10 minutes, or until they have started to break down and form a sauce.
Step Five
Once the tomatoes have formed a sauce, stir in the chopped fresh basil leaves, along with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir well to combine and let the sauce cook for another 5 minutes.
Step Six
Take the skillet off the heat, then transfer the cooked spaghetti into the skillet with the sauce. Toss the spaghetti to coat it thoroughly with the sauce, adding some of the reserved pasta water if needed to thin the sauce.
Step Seven
Sprinkle over the grated Parmesan cheese and add the lemon zest and juice. Stir well to combine, until the cheese has melted and the spaghetti is well coated in the sauce.
Step Eight
Serve the Spicy Kurrat and Tomato Pasta immediately, garnishing with a few more fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired. Enjoy your meal!
