Cavatelli 'ncatenati with Southeast Asian Twist

Ingredients

In this Southeast Asian adaptation, we incorporate lemongrass, chili, and ginger to infuse the pasta with the flavors of the region. Additionally, we replace the traditional Italian sauce with a spicy coconut sauce, adding a creamy and aromatic element to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Cavatelli ‘ncatenati, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) cavatelli pasta 500g (1.1 lb) cavatelli pasta
• 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised
• 2 red chilies, sliced 2 red chilies, sliced
• 1 thumb-sized ginger, grated 1 thumb-sized ginger, grated
• 400ml (13.5 fl oz) coconut milk 400ml (13.5 fl oz) coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1885 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 30g, 25g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 3g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the cavatelli pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the lemongrass, chilies, and ginger. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
3. 3.
   Pour in the coconut milk and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. 4.
   Add the cooked cavatelli pasta to the pan and toss to coat it in the spicy coconut sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the pasta is heated through.
5. 5.
   Stir in the soy sauce and lime juice. Season with salt to taste.
6. 6.
   Remove the lemongrass stalks before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lemongrass — Bruise the lemongrass stalks by lightly pounding them with a rolling pin or the back of a knife. This helps release the aromatic oils and flavors.
• Chilies — Adjust the amount of chilies according to your spice preference. For a milder version, remove the seeds before slicing.
• Coconut milk — Shake the can of coconut milk before opening to ensure the cream and liquid are well combined.

Tips & Tricks

• If you can't find cavatelli pasta, you can substitute it with any small shell-shaped pasta.
• For an extra burst of flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving.
• Customize the spiciness by adjusting the amount of chili used.
• Garnish with chopped peanuts for added texture and crunch.
• Serve with a side of pickled vegetables to complement the flavors.

Serving advice

Serve the Spicy Lemongrass Cavatelli 'ncatenati hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. Pair it with a side of pickled vegetables and a squeeze of lime juice for a refreshing contrast.

Presentation advice

Plate the dish by arranging the pasta neatly in a shallow bowl. Drizzle some of the spicy coconut sauce over the pasta and garnish with a sprig of fresh cilantro. Serve with a lime wedge on the side for an added touch of vibrancy.