Paštrovski Makaruli with Mediterranean Flavors

Ingredients

• 400g (14 oz) tube-shaped pasta (such as rigatoni or penne) 400g (14 oz) tube-shaped pasta (such as rigatoni or penne)
• 200g (7 oz) bacon, diced 200g (7 oz) bacon, diced
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 500g (18 oz) canned crushed tomatoes 500g (18 oz) canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 60g, 8g
• Protein: 18g
• Fiber: 5g
• 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 skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pan.
3. 3.
   In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
4. 4.
   Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried rosemary, and dried thyme to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
5. 5.
   Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until it is well coated with the sauce.
7. 7.
   Serve the Paštrovski Makaruli hot, garnished with crispy bacon and fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Bacon — Choose a high-quality bacon with a good balance of fat and meat. Crisping the bacon adds texture and flavor to the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for richness.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Serve with a side of fresh salad to balance the flavors.
• Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra touch of indulgence.
• Make a double batch of the sauce and freeze it for future use.

Serving advice

Serve Paštrovski Makaruli as a main course, accompanied by a fresh green salad and crusty bread.

Presentation advice

Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a few bacon bits on top. Serve it in a shallow pasta bowl to showcase the vibrant colors of the sauce.