Croatian-inspired Spicy Macaroni

Ingredients

• 300g (10.5 oz) macaroni 300g (10.5 oz) macaroni
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 red chili pepper, finely chopped 1 red chili pepper, finely chopped
• 400g (14 oz) canned diced tomatoes 400g (14 oz) canned diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 62g, 8g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the minced garlic and chopped chili pepper to the pan. Sauté for another minute until fragrant.
4. 4.
   Pour in the canned diced tomatoes and stir well. Allow the mixture to simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   Add the paprika, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the sauce. Stir to combine and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
6. 6.
   Add the cooked macaroni to the pan and toss until the pasta is evenly coated with the spicy tomato sauce.
7. 7.
   Serve the Spicy Macaroni hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chili pepper — Adjust the amount of chili pepper according to your spice preference. For a milder version, remove the seeds before chopping.
• Canned diced tomatoes — Opt for high-quality canned tomatoes to ensure a rich and flavorful sauce.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• If you prefer a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to puree the diced tomatoes before adding them to the pan.
• Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, to the sauce for added texture and nutrition.
• Serve the Spicy Macaroni with a dollop of sour cream or grated cheese for a creamy twist.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day. Simply reheat in a pan or microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent drying.

Serving advice

Serve the Spicy Macaroni as a main course accompanied by a fresh green salad and crusty bread. It can also be served as a side dish alongside grilled meats or roasted vegetables.

Presentation advice

Garnish the Spicy Macaroni with a sprinkle of fresh parsley to add a pop of color. Serve it in a deep plate or bowl to showcase the vibrant red sauce against the golden macaroni.