Salsa Pasta

                                                                     

I think kids make the best food critics! If they do not like something you cannot coax them to have even a spoonful more but, if  they do, you need not bother prompting them to do justice to a dish. My neighbour's young son had really liked this pasta recipe so it gives me hope that others will too!!

Salsa Pasta, is an easy pasta recipe that anyone will be able to prepare. The fact that it's ingredients are generally available in any kitchen makes it that much simpler to put together anytime the mood strikes you. I was surprised that there was no cheese in this recipe but the  lovely flavour of tomato and fresh coriander leaves more than makes up for it.

Ingredients: 

2 cups elbow macaroni
1 onion
1 tomato
1 capsicum
1 tsp garlic
2 tbsp oil
1 cup tomato paste
2 to 3 tbsp tomato ketchup
1/2 tsp black pepper powder
Salt to taste
1/4 tsp red chilli flakes
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp chopped green chilli ( optional)
1/2 cup fresh coriander leaves

Method:   Boil  4 - 5 cups of water in a pan and add a tsp of salt to it. When the water starts boiling add the macaroni. Lower the flame and let it boil for few minutes until macaroni is soft, not mushy. Remove from flame and drain the water from the macaroni. Add a tbsp of oil to the macaroni and keep aside. Chop the onion in medium pieces. Discard seeds and cut the tomato and capsicum into cubes. Finely chop garlic. Also chop coriander leaves.

In a heavy bottom pan pour oil and add garlic. After a minute add chopped onion. There is no need to brown or even wait till it turns translucent. Just stir for a few seconds  and immediately afterwards add the chopped tomato and capsicum. Stir lightly. We want to keep the veggies crunchy. Add chopped green chilli ( optional) and tomato paste and chilly flakes.Add one cup of water. After a minute add tomato ketchup, salt, pepper, sugar and lemon juice. Lastly add the boiled  macaroni and coriander leaves. Mix well and close.  The consistency should neither be too runny nor dry. Serve hot.

I only used a little more than 1/2 cup of tomato paste although it says 1 cup in the recipe. If you are using a mild tomato paste go ahead and use a cup. It is generally better to use a little less initially and then adjust later.