Pitcairn Islands-inspired Amatriciana Pasta

Ingredients

In this Pitcairn Islands adaptation of Amatriciana, we incorporate tropical fruits such as pineapple and papaya to add a unique sweetness to the dish. Additionally, we introduce local spices like turmeric and ginger to infuse the pasta with warm and aromatic flavors, reminiscent of the Pitcairn Islands cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Amatriciana, so you can check it out.

• 8 ounces (225g) spaghetti 8 ounces (225g) spaghetti
• 4 slices of bacon, diced 4 slices of bacon, diced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 small chili pepper, seeds removed and finely chopped 1 small chili pepper, seeds removed and finely chopped
• 1 cup (240ml) canned crushed tomatoes 1 cup (240ml) canned crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup (120ml) pineapple juice 1/2 cup (120ml) pineapple juice
• 1/2 cup (120ml) papaya, diced 1/2 cup (120ml) papaya, diced
• 1 teaspoon turmeric 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ginger powder 1 teaspoon ginger powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 420 kcal / 1760 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 65g, 10g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet.
3. 3.
   In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped chili pepper. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
4. 4.
   Add the crushed tomatoes, pineapple juice, diced papaya, turmeric, and ginger powder to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
5. 5.
   Simmer the sauce over low heat for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. 6.
   Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
7. 7.
   Serve the Pitcairn Islands-inspired Amatriciana pasta hot, garnished with crispy bacon and fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pineapple — Choose a ripe pineapple for the best flavor. If fresh pineapple is not available, you can use canned pineapple chunks in natural juice as a substitute.
• Papaya — Look for a ripe papaya with orange flesh. If papaya is not available, you can substitute it with mango for a similar tropical flavor.
• Chili pepper — Adjust the amount of chili pepper according to your spice preference. For a milder version, remove the seeds before chopping.

Tips & Tricks

• For a smokier flavor, you can use smoked bacon instead of regular bacon.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, you can add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
• To make the dish more substantial, you can add cooked shrimp or grilled chicken to the pasta.
• If you want a creamier sauce, you can stir in a tablespoon of coconut cream or heavy cream at the end.
• Serve the pasta with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an extra savory touch.

Serving advice

Serve the Pitcairn Islands-inspired Amatriciana pasta as a main course, accompanied by a fresh green salad and crusty bread.

Presentation advice

Garnish each plate of pasta with a sprig of fresh parsley and a few pineapple or papaya chunks for a vibrant and tropical presentation.