Creamy Pasta with Haitian Twist

Ingredients

In this Haitian adaptation, we infuse the Italian classic with traditional Haitian spices and flavors. The addition of aromatic spices such as thyme, cloves, and Scotch bonnet peppers gives the dish a distinct Haitian twist. The use of plantain chips as a garnish adds a unique texture and complements the flavors of the creamy pasta. We alse have the original recipe for Pasta al mascarpone, so you can check it out.

• 250g (8.8 oz) pasta of your choice 250g (8.8 oz) pasta of your choice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, seeded and minced 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, seeded and minced
• 200g (7 oz) mascarpone cheese 200g (7 oz) mascarpone cheese
• 1 cup (240ml) vegetable broth 1 cup (240ml) vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Crispy plantain chips (for garnish) Crispy plantain chips (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 14g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 48g, 4g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the dried thyme, ground cloves, and minced Scotch bonnet pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine and cook for an additional minute.
4. 4.
   Reduce the heat to low and add the mascarpone cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cheese has melted and is well incorporated with the spices.
5. 5.
   Gradually pour in the vegetable broth while stirring continuously. Allow the sauce to simmer for 5 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
6. 6.
   Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until it is evenly coated with the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. 7.
   Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro.
8. 8.
   Serve the creamy pasta with a side of crispy plantain chips for an authentic Haitian touch.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Mascarpone cheese — Make sure to bring the mascarpone cheese to room temperature before using it in the sauce. This will help it melt smoothly and incorporate well with the other ingredients.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, leave the seeds in the Scotch bonnet pepper. Adjust the amount according to your heat preference.
• If mascarpone cheese is not available, you can substitute it with cream cheese mixed with a bit of heavy cream to achieve a similar creamy texture.
• Feel free to add cooked chicken, shrimp, or vegetables to the pasta for a heartier meal.
• To make the dish more colorful, you can add diced bell peppers or cherry tomatoes to the sauce.
• If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of ground cloves and Scotch bonnet pepper.

Serving advice

Serve the creamy pasta in individual bowls, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro. Accompany it with a side of crispy plantain chips for a delightful crunch.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some additional chopped fresh herbs on top of the pasta. Arrange a few plantain chips around the edges of the bowl for an appealing visual contrast.