Valentine’s Day Food: Pasta in Roasted Tomato Sauce

Cooking a delicious dish can be a rewarding experience, especially when it involves a hearty serving of pasta in roasted tomato sauce. This classic recipe combines the rich flavors of roasted tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and a medley of spices to create a mouthwatering symphony for your taste buds. Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or a culinary novice, this step-by-step guide will help you master the art of making pasta in roasted tomato sauce.

The Ingredients You’ll Need

To embark on this culinary adventure, gather the following ingredients:

• 3 roasted tomatoes
• 4-5 roasted garlic cloves
• 1 cup chopped onions
• Chopped coriander (for garnish)
• Salt to taste
• 1 tbsp Black pepper powder
• 1 tsp Red chilli powder
• 2 cups boiled pasta
• 1 tbsp oregano seasoning
• 1 tbsp chilli flakes
• ¼ cup mozzarella cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Roasting the Tomatoes and Garlic:

• Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the tomatoes and garlic cloves on a baking sheet.
• Drizzle a little olive oil over the tomatoes and garlic cloves, and sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
• Roast them in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the tomatoes are softened and slightly charred. Once roasted, remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.

2. Preparing the Roasted Tomato Sauce:

• Peel the skin off the roasted tomatoes and discard it.
• In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted tomatoes, roasted garlic cloves. Blend until smooth.
• Add the sautéed onions, black pepper powder, red chili powder, and salt to taste. Mix thoroughly.

3. Cooking the Pasta:

• Add the boiled pasta to the tomato sauce and mix to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
• Allow the pasta to simmer in the sauce for a couple of minutes, allowing it to absorb the flavors.

4. Seasoning and Cheese:

• Sprinkle oregano seasoning and chili flakes over the pasta. Mix well to distribute the flavors.

5. Final Touches:

• Once the pasta is well-coated with the sauce and seasonings, turn off the heat.
• Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the pasta and cover the pan with a lid. Let it sit for a minute or two to melt the cheese.

6. Garnish and Serve:

• Transfer the pasta to serving plates.
• Garnish with chopped coriander for a fresh and aromatic touch.
• Serve the Pasta in Roasted Tomato Sauce hot and enjoy the delicious medley of flavors.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought roasted tomatoes for this recipe? Absolutely! While roasting your own tomatoes adds a lovely depth of flavor, using canned or jarred roasted tomatoes is a convenient alternative.

2. Can I adjust the spice levels in the sauce? Certainly! Feel free to increase or decrease the amount of red chilli powder and chilli flakes according to your taste preferences.

3. What type of pasta works best for this dish? You can use any pasta of your choice, such as penne, spaghetti, or fusilli. Choose a shape that holds the sauce well.

4. Is there a substitute for mozzarella cheese? If you prefer a different cheese, you can use Parmesan, cheddar, or any other melting cheese of your choice.

5. Can I add other vegetables to the dish? Absolutely! Bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini are great options to add some extra color and nutrition to the dish.

6. How can I make the dish creamier? For a creamier texture, you can stir in a tablespoon of heavy cream or cream cheese into the sauce.

Creating a delectable pasta dish doesn’t have to be complicated. With fresh ingredients and a touch of creativity, you can whip up a bowl of pasta in roasted tomato sauce that’s bursting with flavors. The harmonious blend of roasted tomatoes, garlic, and spices creates a symphony of tastes that will leave your taste buds craving more. So, gather your ingredients, follow the step-by-step instructions, and treat yourself to a culinary masterpiece that’s sure to impress your family and friends.