Naporitan Pasta with a Japanese Twist

Ingredients

• 250g (8.8 oz) spaghetti 250g (8.8 oz) spaghetti
• 4 slices of bacon, diced 4 slices of bacon, diced
• 1 onion, thinly sliced 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 100g (3.5 oz) mushrooms, sliced 100g (3.5 oz) mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato ketchup 2 tablespoons tomato ketchup
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 420 kcal / 1760 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 60g, 8g
• Protein: 16g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 2g

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 sliced onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms. Sauté until the vegetables are tender.
4. 4.
   Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute.
5. 5.
   Return the cooked bacon to the skillet and stir in the tomato ketchup, soy sauce, and grated ginger. Mix well to combine.
6. 6.
   Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
7. 7.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. 8.
   Serve the Naporitan Pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Bacon — Choose a high-quality bacon with a good balance of fat and meat for the best flavor.
• Soy sauce — Opt for a low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer to control the saltiness of the dish.
• Ginger — Use fresh ginger for a vibrant and aromatic taste. Grate it just before adding it to the dish to preserve its flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
• Customize the vegetable selection based on your preferences. Add carrots, peas, or corn for additional color and texture.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the bacon with smoked tofu or tempeh for a smoky flavor.
• Adjust the sweetness of the dish by adding a teaspoon of sugar or honey to the sauce if desired.
• Serve the Naporitan Pasta with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of richness.

Serving advice

Serve the Japanese-inspired Naporitan Pasta as a main course, accompanied by a fresh green salad and crusty bread. It pairs well with a light-bodied red wine or a refreshing iced tea.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, twirl the spaghetti strands using tongs or a fork before placing them on the plate. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve the dish in a shallow pasta bowl to showcase the vibrant colors of the ingredients.