Description
Tandoori pasta is a creamy, bold, and comforting dish that combines the vibrant flavors of traditional Indian spices with a quick and simple pasta recipe. Perfect for a 25-minute lunch or dinner, this vegan-friendly meal is sure to satisfy the whole family with its aromatic and spicy sauce paired with perfectly cooked pasta.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of neutral oil
- 1 red onion, finely diced
- ½ cup of sliced green onions, plus more for garnish
- 1 tablespoon of fresh minced ginger
Spices
- 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon of ground cardamom
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- 2 teaspoons of turmeric
- 1 teaspoon of garam masala
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Other Ingredients
- 1 (14-ounce) can of diced tomatoes, in their juices
- 1 cup of pasta water
- 1 pound of pasta
- 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, agave, or maple syrup
- Crushed red pepper, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the Oil and Cook Onions: In a large pan with a lid, heat the neutral oil over medium-high heat. Add the finely diced red onion and cook until translucent, then add the sliced green onions and minced ginger. Sauté for two minutes to soften and release their flavors.
- Add Spices: Stir in the garlic powder, ground cardamom, paprika, cumin, turmeric, garam masala, ground cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly and cook for one minute to bloom the spices and intensify their aroma.
- Add Tomatoes and Simmer: Pour in the can of diced tomatoes along with their juices. Stir well, bring to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to a very low simmer. Stir every couple of minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld.
- Cook Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving one cup of the pasta cooking water.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Return the pasta to the pot and add the tandoori sauce. Mix well to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
- Finish with Lemon and Sweetener: Squeeze half a lemon over the pasta and stir in the brown sugar, agave, or maple syrup to balance the flavors. Mix thoroughly.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with additional sliced green onions and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for added heat. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Bloom the spices: This step is crucial to release the full aroma and flavor of the spices, enriching the sauce.
- Cook pasta al dente: Ensures the pasta retains a firm texture once mixed with the sauce, preventing mushiness.
- Save some pasta water: Adds starch that helps the sauce cling better to the pasta and also thins out the sauce if needed.
- Tweak the flavors: Adjust spice levels, lemon, and sweetener to suit your personal taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
