Spicy Penne with Sabahan Flair

Ingredients

In this Sabahan adaptation, the traditional Penne all'arrabbiata is infused with the vibrant flavors of Sabahan cuisine. The original Italian dish is known for its simplicity, with a tomato-based sauce flavored with garlic, chili flakes, and parsley. However, in this Sabahan version, the sauce is enriched with a blend of Sabahan spices, adding a unique and fiery twist to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Penne all'arrabbiata, so you can check it out.

• 250g (8.8oz) penne pasta 250g (8.8oz) penne pasta
• 4 ripe tomatoes, diced 4 ripe tomatoes, diced
• 2 red chili peppers, finely chopped 2 red chili peppers, finely chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon belacan (Sabahan shrimp paste) 1 teaspoon belacan (Sabahan shrimp paste)
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 5g, 0.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 70g, 5g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the penne 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 minced garlic and chopped chili peppers. Sauté until fragrant.
3. 3.
   Add the diced tomatoes to the pan and cook until they start to soften.
4. 4.
   Stir in the belacan, turmeric powder, ground coriander, and ground cumin. Cook for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   Add the cooked penne pasta to the pan and toss until well coated with the spicy tomato sauce.
6. 6.
   Season with salt to taste.
7. 7.
   Serve the Sabahan Spiced Penne hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Belacan — Belacan is a pungent shrimp paste commonly used in Sabahan cuisine. If you're unable to find belacan, you can substitute it with fish sauce for a similar umami flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add more chili peppers according to your preference.
• If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend the cooked tomatoes before adding them to the pan.
• Garnish the dish with a squeeze of lime juice for a refreshing twist.

Serving advice

Serve the Sabahan Spiced Penne as a main course, accompanied by a fresh green salad and crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Presentation advice

Present the Sabahan Spiced Penne in a vibrant dish, allowing the red color of the sauce to shine. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a pop of green.