Pasta with Tenerumi and Tomato Sauce

Ingredients

• 250g (8.8 oz) pasta of your choice 250g (8.8 oz) pasta of your choice
• 300g (10.6 oz) tenerumi (squash shoots) 300g (10.6 oz) tenerumi (squash shoots)
• 4 ripe tomatoes, diced 4 ripe tomatoes, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 60g, 5g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 8g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a separate pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, and sauté until they become fragrant and translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the diced tomatoes to the pan and cook until they start to break down and release their juices.
4. 4.
   Stir in the tenerumi and chili flakes, and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes until the tenerumi is tender but still retains its vibrant green color.
5. 5.
   Add the cooked pasta to the pan and toss everything together until well combined.
6. 6.
   Serve the Pasta with Tenerumi and Tomato Sauce hot, garnished with a drizzle of olive oil and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Tenerumi — Make sure to trim off any tough ends before using. The tender parts of the shoots are the most desirable for this recipe.
• Tomatoes — Choose ripe and flavorful tomatoes for the best taste. If fresh tomatoes are not available, you can use canned diced tomatoes as a substitute.

Tips & Tricks

• To add a touch of freshness, garnish the dish with some chopped fresh basil or parsley before serving.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of chili flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• For a heartier version, you can add some sautéed mushrooms or grilled vegetables to the pasta.

Serving advice

Serve the Pasta with Tenerumi and Tomato Sauce as a main course, accompanied by a fresh green salad and some crusty bread on the side.

Presentation advice

Plate the pasta neatly on individual dishes, allowing the vibrant green tenerumi to stand out against the red tomato sauce. Drizzle a little extra olive oil on top and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for an appealing presentation.