Spiral pasta with olives and tomatoes
Spiral Pasta Recipe with Olives and Cherry Tomatoes Baked
*A simple, quick, and delicious delicacy, perfect for those who love Mediterranean flavors*
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 3 small onions
- 1 grated carrot
- 200 g Hutton spiral pasta
- 200 g lightly salted olives
- 2 slices of lemon
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- A pinch of pepper
- 1 teaspoon of flour diluted in a cup of water
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 100 g grated cheese
- A few cherry tomatoes
A short story
Pasta with olives has a rich and varied history, inspired by culinary traditions that blend simple yet flavorful ingredients. This recipe is a perfect example of how a combination of vegetables, pasta, and olives can transform an ordinary lunch into a delicious feast. Adding baked cheese provides a crispy layer that makes this dish a true delight.
Preparing the ingredients
Before you start, make sure you have all the ingredients at hand. Onions and carrots are the base vegetables that will add flavor, while olives provide a salty taste and interesting texture. Lightly salted olives are preferred, as they won't make the dish too salty. Cherry tomatoes add not only a note of freshness but also vibrant color.
Steps for preparation
1. Preparing the vegetables
Start by chopping the onion into small cubes. In a large skillet, add a little oil and heat it over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.
2. Adding the carrot
Add the grated carrot and a teaspoon of salt. Cover with water and let it boil for about 10 minutes until the carrot softens and the flavors combine.
3. Incorporating the olives
When the water has reduced, add the olives, pepper, and enough water to cover the vegetables by two fingers. Let them boil for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Boiling the pasta
Meanwhile, place the spiral pasta in a pot of boiling salted water. Cook for 5 minutes, being careful not to overcook them, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
5. Preparing the sauce
After the vegetables have boiled, add 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. In a cup, dilute a teaspoon of flour in warm water and mix well. Pour this mixture through a strainer over the vegetables to avoid lumps.
6. Adding the lemon
Place the two slices of lemon in the skillet and let them boil for 2 minutes, then remove them. This step will add a note of acidity without making the dish too sour.
7. Mixing the pasta
Drain the pasta and add it to the vegetable sauce. Mix well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated.
8. Transferring to the baking dish
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a baking dish and transfer the pasta and vegetable mixture into it. Top with grated cheese and add the halved cherry tomatoes on top.
9. Baking
Place the dish in the oven and let it bake for 15 minutes until the cheese becomes golden and crispy.
10. Serving
Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Offer it alongside a fresh salad or a refreshing drink, such as winter tea or white wine.
Practical tips
- If you like more intense flavors, you can add herbs like basil or oregano during cooking.
- Instead of olives, you can experiment with mushrooms or zucchini for a vegetarian option.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
Nutritional benefits
This recipe is rich in fiber due to the vegetables and whole pasta, while olives provide healthy fats. Additionally, cherry tomatoes are an excellent source of antioxidants, helping to maintain heart and skin health.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use other types of pasta?
Of course! Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta are excellent alternatives.
2. Can the pasta be frozen?
It is recommended to consume them fresh, but you can freeze the dish before baking.
3. What is the cooking time for whole wheat pasta?
Always check the instructions on the package, but usually, they require a few extra minutes of boiling.
Personal note
This is a recipe I often prepare for my family, and every meal becomes a special occasion. It is easy to customize, and every modification brings a new taste. I encourage you to experiment and find the perfect combination for you.
Enjoy these spiral pasta with olives and cherry tomatoes and let their flavors carry you away! Bon appétit!
Ingredients: 3 small onions; 1 grated carrot; 200 g Hutton spiral pasta; 200 g lightly salted olives; 2 slices of lemon; 1 teaspoon of salt; a pinch of pepper; 1 teaspoon of flour diluted in a cup of water; 2 tablespoons of broth; 100 g grated cheese; a few cherry tomatoes.
