Southeast Asian Spiced Timpana

Ingredients

In this Southeast Asian adaptation of Timpana, we infuse the dish with the distinct flavors of Southeast Asian cuisine. The original dish is traditionally made with Italian flavors, while our version incorporates Southeast Asian spices and herbs, giving it a unique and fiery twist. The addition of ingredients like lemongrass, ginger, chili, and coriander adds depth and complexity to the dish, creating a fusion of flavors that is both exciting and delicious. We alse have the original recipe for Timpana, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) penne pasta 500g (1.1 lb) penne pasta
• 500g (1.1 lb) ground chicken 500g (1.1 lb) ground chicken
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red chili, finely chopped 1 red chili, finely chopped
• 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised
• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, grated 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 400g (14 oz) canned diced tomatoes 400g (14 oz) canned diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar 1 tablespoon sugar
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• 200g (7 oz) mozzarella cheese, grated 200g (7 oz) mozzarella cheese, grated
• Fresh coriander leaves, for garnish Fresh coriander leaves, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 520 kcal / 2176 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 60g, 8g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 2g

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 chopped onion, minced garlic, and red chili. Sauté until the onion is translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the ground chicken to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
4. 4.
   Stir in the lemongrass, grated ginger, turmeric powder, cumin powder, and coriander powder. Cook for another 2 minutes to allow the spices to release their flavors.
5. 5.
   Add the canned diced tomatoes, tomato paste, soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar to the pan. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
7. 7.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta with the chicken and tomato sauce mixture. Mix well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated.
8. 8.
   Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese on top.
9. 9.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lemongrass — Bruise the lemongrass stalks by lightly pounding them with a rolling pin or the back of a knife. This helps release the aromatic oils and flavors.
• Ginger — Use a grater to finely grate the ginger. This ensures that the ginger blends seamlessly into the dish, adding a subtle warmth to the overall flavor profile.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a squeeze of lime juice before serving.
• Adjust the amount of chili according to your spice preference. Add more for a fiery kick or reduce for a milder version.
• Feel free to substitute ground chicken with ground beef, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
• If you prefer a crispier top, broil the dish for a few minutes after baking.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day. The flavors tend to meld together even more, making it even more delicious.

Serving advice

Serve the Southeast Asian Spiced Timpana hot, straight from the oven. Accompany it with a fresh green salad or pickled vegetables to balance the richness of the dish.

Presentation advice

To elevate the presentation, sprinkle some fresh coriander leaves on top of the baked dish. The vibrant green color adds a pop of freshness and enhances the visual appeal.