Creamy Potato Pasta

Ingredients

In the original Croatian dish, pašta s krumpirom, the pasta is typically cooked separately from the potatoes and then combined with a simple sauce made from butter, onions, and sometimes sour cream. In this Bruneian adaptation, we incorporate local ingredients such as belacan and daun salam to infuse the dish with a unique flavor profile. The addition of spices like turmeric, coriander, and cumin further enhances the taste, giving it a distinct Bruneian twist. We alse have the original recipe for Pašta s krumpirom, so you can check it out.

• 250g (8.8 oz) pasta 250g (8.8 oz) pasta
• 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon belacan (shrimp paste) 1 teaspoon belacan (shrimp paste)
• 2 daun salam (Indonesian bay leaves) 2 daun salam (Indonesian bay leaves)
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 200ml (3/4 cup) coconut milk 200ml (3/4 cup) coconut milk
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Lime wedges, for serving Lime wedges, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 420 kcal / 1760 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 12g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 56g, 4g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 4g
• 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 vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant and translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the belacan, daun salam, turmeric powder, ground coriander, and ground cumin to the pan. Stir well to combine and cook for 1-2 minutes to release the flavors.
4. 4.
   Add the diced potatoes to the pan and stir to coat them with the spice mixture. Cook for 5 minutes, until the potatoes start to soften.
5. 5.
   Pour in the coconut milk and season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.
6. 6.
   Add the cooked pasta to the pan and toss gently to coat it with the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat the pasta through.
7. 7.
   Remove the pan from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve the Creamy Potato Pasta with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the dish.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Belacan — Belacan is a pungent shrimp paste commonly used in Bruneian cuisine. If you're not a fan of its strong flavor, you can reduce the amount or substitute it with fish sauce for a milder taste.
• Daun salam — Daun salam, or Indonesian bay leaves, add a unique aroma to the dish. If you can't find daun salam, you can substitute it with regular bay leaves, although the flavor may be slightly different.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes or chopped fresh chili peppers to the dish.
• If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can add a splash of vegetable broth or water to adjust the consistency.
• Feel free to customize the dish by adding your favorite vegetables such as peas, carrots, or bell peppers for extra color and nutrients.
• To make the dish more substantial, you can add cooked chicken or shrimp to the pasta.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated the next day. Add a splash of coconut milk or water when reheating to maintain the creamy texture.

Serving advice

Serve the Creamy Potato Pasta hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges on the side. The lime juice adds a tangy freshness that balances the richness of the dish. Pair it with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some additional chopped cilantro over the dish before serving. You can also drizzle a little coconut milk on top for an extra touch of creaminess. Serve the pasta in individual bowls or on a large platter for sharing.