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Sep
20
Right from Calabria: Pasta and Potatoes
September 20, 2008 |
I’m still enjoying my vacations in Calabria, however the last few days it has been raining a lot and the tourists aren’t so happy about it. The Calabrese on the other hand definitely are because it hasn’t rained since May of this year and the land really needed water. Instead of going to the beach I’m taking advantage of the time to search the stores for gifts and specialties to bring back home. Every year is a new discovery because there are many new products to try.
I also have more time to cook so I prepared this Pasta and Potatoes that my friend here in Calabria taught me how to make. I’ve known her for more than 20 years and she has given me a lot of interesting recipes over time. I love this particular dish so much because the flavor is so good even if there are only few and simple ingredients.
Well I hope you’ll like this it as much as I do. If you prepare this pasta for your kids I suggest you to skip the red hot pepper.
Pasta and Potatoes
1/2 medium red onion thinly sliced
3 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 lb. potatoes
3 medium ripe tomatoes, better San Marzano type like Roma
1 lb. tortiglioni, rigatoni or penne pasta
about 10 basil leaves
2 dry red hot peppers (optional)
salt to taste
Heat up the oil then add the onions and the red hot peppers. If you wish a spicier dish break up the peppers in two if you prefer a light spicy flavor leave them whole. Cook the onions for about 5 minutes and then add the tomatoes chopped in pieces, the basil and salt to taste. Cook the tomatoes until they become saucy then add the potatoes cut in big pieces, combine well and cover them with water. Let them simmer until the potatoes start to soften up. At this point add the pasta and cook until the water is all absorbed and the dish has a creamy consistency. If the water is not enough add a little warm water.
Comments
9 Comments so far
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Truly enjoy your sites and recipes–my grandparents were from Molise & Avellino, and have friends & relatives from Calabria. Your trip tales will have to satisfy till we can come back to Italia again! Grazie!
I’m loving the rain! I’m also wondering what part of Calabria you’re in–over here near Catanzaro they just don’t do potatoes with pasta. I love how local the cuisine really is here in Italy–one town over and you have completely different recipes (all delicious of course!) :)
Hi, How many potatoes do you use for the recipe, Pasta and Potatoes? Thanks. I love your e-newsletter and recipes. Rose
How many potatoes are added?
Okay Patty. How much potatoes goes into this recipe?
Ciao Patty
So very happy to hear your vacation in the land of my birth,is going so well for you and yours,my mother made this dish many times for the family,notice you did not mention how many potatoes to use, as I make it today for my family, I use 2-3 medium potatoes.
Enjoy your stay, and THANKS for the Best Italian food site on the net.
Nicodemo age 82
born in Reggio Calabria
This sounds delicious! One thing, though, you didn’t say how many/much potatoes for the recipe in the ingredients list.
you need to have it printer friendly
Sorry I forgot to specify the quantity of potatoes which means I was really enjoying my vacation. I have since included it.
Louise,
I hope you can come to Italia soon.
Michelle,
I know that Italian cuisine is very local or has a lot different versions of the same dish, but Catanzaro is so close to Tropea that I would have thought there would have been some similar version of the recipe there.
Nicodemo,
Thank you very much, I’m glad you enjoy my recipes.