Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb. Tolkusha (or any small pasta)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Special Equipment Needed:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet for cooking sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add Tolkusha and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until they start to soften and release their juices.
4. Add cooked Tolkusha to the skillet and toss to combine with the tomato sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the pasta is coated in the sauce.
5. Remove from heat and stir in chopped basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium heat
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Protein: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Tolkusha can be substituted with any small pasta such as penne or fusilli.
- Cherry tomatoes can be substituted with diced Roma tomatoes or canned tomatoes.
- Fresh basil can be substituted with dried basil.
Variations:
- Add cooked chicken or shrimp to the dish for added protein.
- Use different herbs such as parsley or oregano instead of basil.
- Add sliced mushrooms or diced zucchini to the sauce for extra vegetables.
Tips and Tricks:
- Be sure to salt the pasta water generously to add flavor to the dish.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining to add to the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Use a good quality olive oil for the best flavor.
Storage Instructions:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve in a large bowl or on individual plates.
- Garnish with extra chopped basil or grated Parmesan cheese.
Garnishes:
- Chopped basil
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad or garlic bread.
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to thin it out.
- If the pasta is too dry, add more olive oil or tomato sauce.
Food Safety Advice:
- Be sure to cook the pasta and sauce to the appropriate temperature to avoid any foodborne illnesses.
Food History:
- Tolkusha is a traditional Russian pasta that is similar to Italian gnocchi.
Flavor Profiles:
- This dish is savory and slightly spicy with a hint of sweetness from the cherry tomatoes.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a main dish for lunch or dinner.
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