More Pasta (3-in-1)...Tomato based variations (Intermediate)

Since we're on pasta, let's move you guys up a notch..you've tried the Aglio Olio. Let's do a little variation. Take baby steps...Tomato based..once again, let's demystify the glorious pasta. One word of caution though, once you've gone down this road, you're gonna find it quite hard to part with S$15-$18 for any half decent pasta served by wannabes...really, i am not kidding...i hardly eat pasta outside unless i can't cook it or it's something i have never tried before..by the way..just a sneak peak, i gonna introduce some fusion into the pasta recipes in the upcoming blogs. Stay tuned! 

Let's get started with the tomato based variations. You can do Amatriciana (Bacon), Bolognaise (Minced beef), Marinara (Seafood) etc etc..so be adventurous and try them all out. 

I'm gonna run you through very quickly all 3. 

1) Amatriciana - Bacon with tomato base

Ingredients: 

- Bacon (Cut them into 1-2cm strips across the grain)

- 1 Onion (Chopped finely)

- Tomato puree or just some good O Raghu tomato pasta sauce(Or any other brand is fine as well)

- Olive Oil

- Chilli Padi (about 2-3 finely chopped)

- Of course you need pasta (Once again, refer to my advise in the first pasta blog on Aglio Olio)

Cooking: 

1) Pre-prepare the pasta as per steps 1 and 2 in my earlier recipe

2) Pour the Olive oil into the frying pan and throw in the bacon first! Fry until you can see it start to brown slightly on the edges. Throw in the onions and chilli and continue frying. 

3) Pour in your tomato based pasta sauce (How much to put in? Hmmm...if you're gonna be cooking for 4, you can use one full bottle). Bring to boil. 

4) Throw in your pre-prepared pasta and stir briefly and Voila you're done! Note to NOT OVERCOOK IT, you don't wanna eat pasta that has the texture of instant noodles! Hence it is quite important to get your pasta extremely Al Dente(even to the point of slightly undercooked) earlier on.

2) Good Bolognaise - Minced beef with tomato base

Ingredients: 

- Minced beef 

- 2 Onions (1 chopped finely and the other  just sliced)

- Olive Oil

- Tomato puree or any tomato pasta sauce 

- Pasta of course :) 

Preparation: 

- Season the minced beef with 2-3 tablespoon of light soya sauce, 1 spoon of oyster sauce and ground black pepper.

- Mix it well with the chopped onion (Not the sliced ones) and let it sit for at least 15-20mins. 

Cooking: 

1) Once again pre-prepare the pasta and set aside

2) Pour in the olive oil, throw in the sliced onions and fry for about 2-3mins at medium heat. 

3) Throw in your minced beef and fry. Make sure to break up the chunks. 

4) Pour in the tomato based pasta sauce and bring to boil.

5) Throw in your pasta which you have set aside earlier and stir well. 

Doesn't just looking at the pasta make your stomach growl..makes you just wanna take a bite right?!
This was done with Fresh handmade Fettucini 

3) Lastly Marinara - Seafood with Tomato base

Ingredients: 

- Prawns (Deshelled, de-veined and season with some light soya sauce and ground black pepper)

- Squid (Cleaned, sliced into rings and season with some light soya sauce and ground black pepper)

- 4-5 tablespoon of garlic

- Olive Oil ( Don't be stingy about the oil because this is where the flavors will go)

- Pasta (take a pick...personally if you can ever find fresh handmade ones..do try, it does make a difference)

- Tomato based pasta sauce (try, try, try...there will inevitably be some you like more than others)

Cooking: 

1)Yes..pre-prepare the pasta and set aside 

2) Pour in the Olive oil. Throw in the garlic and slow "boil" in the oil(ala Aglio Olio). 

3) Throw in the squid first, cook for about 1 to 2 mins before throwing in the prawns. Stir fry until the prawns are cooked (ie reddish-orangish)

4) Pour in the pasta sauce and bring to boil

5) Throw in your pasta, stir and Voila you're done! 

Ok i'll try to post some pics of the Marinara and Amatriciana the next time! 

Watch this space - Home made Pesto coming up next....!!! (My mom's absolute favorite)