5 Pasta Recipes from ETV Mummys Kitchen Prematho

Italian cuisine is renowned for its simplicity and the delectable flavors it offers, with pasta standing as a cornerstone of its culinary tradition. ETV Mummys Kitchen Prematho introduces us to some of the finest pasta recipes that can be easily made at home. These recipes not only celebrate the essence of Italian flavors but also incorporate the warmth and love of Indian cooking. Here are five exquisite pasta dishes inspired by ETV Mummys Kitchen Prematho that you can whip up to delight your family and friends.

Pasta alla Norma

Pasta alla Norma is a classic Sicilian dish that harmoniously combines the creamy richness of eggplant with the robust taste of tomato sauce. Here’s how you can make it:

• 1 large eggplant, cut into cubes
• Salt, for salting the eggplant and pasta water
• Olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can of whole peeled tomatoes
• Fresh basil leaves
• 400 grams dried rigatoni or penne pasta
• Ricotta salata or parmesan cheese, for serving

To prepare:

1. Salt the eggplant cubes and let them sit for 30 minutes to remove excess moisture, then pat dry.
2. In a large frying pan, heat olive oil and fry the eggplant until golden. Set aside.
3. In the same pan, add more oil if needed, and sauté garlic. Add tomatoes, crushing them with your hands or a spoon, and simmer for about 20 minutes. Add basil towards the end.
4. Meanwhile, cook pasta in boiling salted water until al dente. Drain, but reserve some pasta water.
5. Mix the pasta with the tomato sauce, adding the eggplant. Adjust consistency with the reserved pasta water if necessary.
6. Serve hot with grated ricotta salata or parmesan cheese on top.

🌟 Note: This dish embodies the simplicity of Sicilian cuisine, making it a perfect choice for those evenings when you crave something both comforting and flavorful.

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

This pasta dish, from the heart of Roman cuisine, is delightfully simple yet incredibly satisfying. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Spaghetti (350g)
• 8-10 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced
• Red pepper flakes
• Parsley, finely chopped
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Parmesan cheese (optional)

Steps to follow:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook spaghetti until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large pan, heat plenty of olive oil over low heat, add garlic slices, and cook until they turn golden. Be careful not to burn them.
3. Remove from heat, add red pepper flakes and stir.
4. Toss the cooked spaghetti into the pan with the garlic oil, add some pasta water if needed, and mix well with chopped parsley.
5. Serve immediately, with a sprinkle of parmesan if desired.

Lasagna al Forno

Lasagna, a beloved dish worldwide, comes to life with layers of rich bolognese sauce, creamy béchamel, and perfectly cooked pasta sheets. Here's how to create this culinary masterpiece:

• 500g lasagna sheets
• 500g minced meat (beef or pork)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 800g canned tomatoes, crushed
• Tomato paste
• Basil and oregano
• Salt, pepper, and olive oil
• Béchamel sauce
• Grated mozzarella or a blend of cheeses

Preparation:

1. Make the bolognese by browning the meat with onions and garlic, then add tomatoes, tomato paste, herbs, and simmer for 2 hours.
2. While the sauce simmers, prepare a light béchamel sauce.
3. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
4. Start layering in a baking dish: a thin layer of bolognese, lasagna sheets, bolognese, béchamel, and a sprinkle of cheese. Repeat until you've used up your ingredients.
5. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes, then remove foil and bake until the top is golden and bubbly.

🌟 Note: Lasagna needs time for the flavors to meld, so it's an excellent dish for make-ahead meals or when you have guests.

Pesto Genovese with Trofie

Trofie pasta with pesto is a beloved dish from Liguria, showcasing the rich flavor of basil pesto. Here are the ingredients:

• 250g trofie pasta
• 50g basil leaves
• 30g pine nuts
• 50g parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 clove garlic
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper

To make:

1. Blend basil, pine nuts, garlic, and parmesan in a food processor until smooth. Slowly drizzle in olive oil to achieve a thick consistency.
2. Meanwhile, cook trofie pasta to al dente in salted water, reserving some pasta water.
3. Mix the pesto with the hot pasta, adding a bit of pasta water to help the sauce coat the pasta.
4. Serve immediately, garnished with a few whole pine nuts and a drizzle of good olive oil.

Fettuccine Alfredo

Though not originally from Italy, Fettuccine Alfredo has become a beloved dish around the world for its creamy, buttery sauce:

• 350g fettuccine
• 200g butter, cut into cubes
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 2 cups freshly grated parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper

Method:

1. Cook fettuccine to al dente, drain, and set aside.
2. In the same pot, melt butter, then add cream, stirring constantly.
3. Once cream begins to bubble, reduce heat and add parmesan, stirring until melted.
4. Add the pasta back in, toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve immediately to enjoy the creaminess.

To sum up, these five pasta recipes from ETV Mummys Kitchen Prematho embody the love for Italian cuisine while incorporating the joy of Indian culinary techniques. They offer a delightful journey through flavors, from the simplicity of Aglio e Olio to the layered complexity of Lasagna al Forno. Whether you're craving comfort food or looking to impress with a culinary delight, these recipes have got you covered. Remember, the magic of these dishes lies not only in the ingredients but in the care and passion with which they are prepared. Enjoy exploring the diverse world of pasta with these handpicked recipes from Prematho!

Can I make these dishes vegetarian?

+

Yes, you can certainly make most of these dishes vegetarian. For instance, Pasta alla Norma is already vegetarian, and you can replace meat in Lasagna with mushrooms or spinach. Use vegetable broth instead of meat stock and skip the cheese if you’re aiming for a vegan version.

What are some quick pasta sauce alternatives?

+

For a quick meal, you can use olive oil, garlic, chili flakes, and parsley for a simple Aglio e Olio. Alternatively, try a fast tomato sauce with canned tomatoes, garlic, and oregano, or even just blend some roasted red peppers with garlic and oil for a quick and vibrant sauce.

What can I serve with these pasta dishes?

+

A green salad with a light vinaigrette is a classic pairing. For something heartier, consider garlic bread, bruschetta, or even a simple sautéed vegetable dish like spinach or zucchini.