Polynesian-style Baked Tomato Pasta

Ingredients

In this Polynesian adaptation of Pasta con pomodori gratinati, we infuse the dish with the unique flavors of Polynesian cuisine. We incorporate Polynesian spices and ingredients to create a fusion of Italian and Polynesian flavors. Additionally, we add a tropical twist to the dish by using local Polynesian cheese and incorporating ingredients commonly found in Polynesian cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Pasta con pomodori gratinati, 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
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tomatoes, diced 4 tomatoes, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon turmeric 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 cup (235ml) coconut milk 1 cup (235ml) coconut milk
• 1 cup (100g) grated Polynesian cheese 1 cup (100g) grated Polynesian cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 65g, 8g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. 3.
   In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant and translucent.
4. 4.
   Add the diced tomatoes, red bell pepper, grated ginger, turmeric, and paprika to the pan. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. 5.
   Pour in the coconut milk and simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. 6.
   Add the cooked pasta to the pan and toss until well coated with the tomato-coconut sauce.
7. 7.
   Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish and sprinkle the grated Polynesian cheese evenly over the top.
8. 8.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
9. 9.
   Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh cilantro.
10. 10.
    Serve hot and enjoy the tropical flavors of Polynesian-style Baked Tomato Pasta.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Polynesian cheese — If you can't find Polynesian cheese, you can substitute it with a mild cheddar or mozzarella cheese.
• Turmeric — Turmeric adds a vibrant yellow color to the dish. Be careful as it can stain surfaces and clothing, so handle it with care.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a squeeze of lime juice to the tomato-coconut sauce.
• Feel free to add some diced pineapple or mango to the dish for a sweeter and more tropical twist.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes or a finely chopped chili pepper to the sauce.
• Experiment with different types of pasta shapes to add variety and visual appeal to the dish.
• Serve the Polynesian-style Baked Tomato Pasta with a side of fresh tropical fruits for a complete Polynesian-inspired meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Polynesian-style Baked Tomato Pasta hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. Accompany it with a side of tropical fruits or a fresh green salad to balance the flavors.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some additional grated Polynesian cheese and a few cilantro leaves on top of the baked pasta. Serve it in colorful Polynesian-inspired bowls or plates to add a touch of tropical flair.