Spicy Tomato Pasta with a Kashmiri Twist

Pasta is a beloved comfort food that can be prepared in numerous ways to suit various tastes. In this recipe, we’re going to take a flavorful journey to the beautiful region of Kashmir, India, by adding Kashmiri red chilies to create a spicy and tangy tomato pasta dish that’s sure to tickle your taste buds. Let’s get started!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of pasta (any shape you prefer)
• 1 tablespoon of salt
• 1 tablespoon of oil
• 3-4 Kashmiri red chilies
• 3-4 tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons of oil
• 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped, for garnish
• Mozzarella cheese, grated (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Boil the Pasta:
   • In a large pot, boil water.
   • Add a tablespoon of salt and a tablespoon of oil to the boiling water.
   • Add the pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente.
   • Once cooked, strain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Spicy Tomato Sauce:
   • In a separate pot, add 3-4 Kashmiri red chilies to a cup of water and bring it to a boil.
   • Boil for 2-3 minutes, then add 3-4 tomatoes with a few shallow cuts on each.
   • Continue boiling for about 5 minutes until the tomato skin starts to peel off.
   • Remove the tomatoes from the boiling water, peel off their skin, and then grind them into a fine paste.
3. Sauté Garlic and Onion:
   • In a kadhai or large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat.
   • Add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and sauté for a minute until fragrant.
   • Add the finely chopped onion and fry for 2-4 minutes until they become translucent.
4. Add the Tomato Paste:
   • Add the freshly ground tomato paste to the kadhai.
   • Season with salt to taste.
   • Mix well and cover, allowing the sauce to cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
   • Remove the lid and sauté the sauce for a minute or two, ensuring it thickens slightly.
   • Add the boiled pasta to the sauce and toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the spicy tomato sauce.
6. Garnish and Serve:
   • Sprinkle freshly chopped coriander leaves over the pasta for a burst of freshness.
   • Finish off the dish by generously sprinkling grated mozzarella cheese on top.
   • SERVE.

READ MORE:Palak Paneer Recipe without tomato | Curd Palak Paneer.