Yemeni-style Tomato Pasta

Ingredients

Yemeni-style Tomato Pasta differs from the original Italian pasta al pomodoro by incorporating Yemeni spices and flavors. The addition of cumin, coriander, and turmeric gives the dish a distinct Yemeni twist, adding depth and complexity to the tomato sauce. The use of caramelized onions and lemon juice further enhances the flavors, creating a unique fusion of Italian and Yemeni cuisines. We alse have the original recipe for Pasta al pomodoro, so you can check it out.

• 250g (8.8oz) pasta 250g (8.8oz) pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 400g (14oz) canned diced tomatoes 400g (14oz) canned diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Yemeni bread, for serving Yemeni bread, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 60g, 8g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden brown and caramelized.
3. 3.
   Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. 4.
   Stir in the ground cumin, ground coriander, and ground turmeric, and cook for a minute to toast the spices.
5. 5.
   Add the canned diced tomatoes and tomato paste to the pan, stirring well to combine. Simmer the sauce for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   Stir in the lemon juice and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
7. 7.
   Add the cooked pasta to the pan and toss until well coated in the spicy tomato sauce.
8. 8.
   Serve the Yemeni-style Tomato Pasta garnished with fresh cilantro and accompanied by Yemeni bread.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Yemeni bread — If Yemeni bread is not available, you can substitute it with any flatbread or naan.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add a pinch of Yemeni chili powder or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend the canned diced tomatoes before adding them to the pan.
• Feel free to customize the spice levels according to your preference by adjusting the amount of cumin, coriander, and turmeric.

Serving advice

Yemeni-style Tomato Pasta is best served hot. Garnish each plate with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for added freshness and aroma. Serve with warm Yemeni bread on the side to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, you can sprinkle some extra ground cumin and coriander on top of the pasta before serving. This adds a touch of visual appeal and reinforces the Yemeni flavor profile.