West African Style Paccheri Pasta

Ingredients

In this West African adaptation, the original Paccheri alla Vittorio is transformed by incorporating West African spices and flavors. The traditional Italian ingredients are replaced with West African spices such as ginger, garlic, cayenne pepper, and thyme. The dish also incorporates vegetables commonly used in West African cuisine, such as bell peppers and onions, to add a fresh and crunchy element. The final touch of fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley adds a distinct West African flair to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Paccheri alla Vittorio, so you can check it out.

• 400g (14 oz) paccheri pasta 400g (14 oz) paccheri pasta
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 400g (14 oz) canned diced tomatoes 400g (14 oz) canned diced tomatoes
• 1 cup vegetable broth 1 cup vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 62g, 8g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the paccheri 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 chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they become translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the diced bell peppers and grated ginger to the pan. Sauté for a few minutes until the peppers start to soften.
4. 4.
   Stir in the paprika, cayenne pepper, and dried thyme, and cook for another minute to release the flavors.
5. 5.
   Add the canned diced tomatoes and vegetable broth to the pan. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   Add the cooked paccheri pasta to the sauce and toss gently to coat the pasta evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the pasta to absorb some of the sauce.
7. 7.
   Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley.
8. 8.
   Serve the West African Style Paccheri Pasta hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ginger — Use fresh ginger for the best flavor. Peel the ginger and grate it finely before adding it to the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper according to your preference.
• Feel free to add other vegetables like diced carrots or zucchini for added texture and flavor.
• If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend the canned diced tomatoes before adding them to the dish.
• Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. Add more salt, pepper, or spices if desired.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Serve the West African Style Paccheri Pasta as a main course accompanied by a fresh green salad or crusty bread.

Presentation advice

Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or parsley on top to add a pop of color and freshness.