Penne all' Arrabbiata

Did you know......................
Penne all'arrabbiata, simply means "enraged pasta," referring to the heat of the peppers.

Well.....here's the recipe for the angry pasta.............
It's pretty simple.

Ingredients

penne - 1 cup, ( measured uncooked)
Olive oil - 1-2 tbsp
garlic - 4-5 cloves of garlic, crushed or chopped
onion - 1, medium, chopped finely
tomatoes - 6-7 medium sized
chilli flakes - 1 tsp
mixed Italian herbs - 1- 2 tsp
salt to taste
parmesan or cheddar cheese - 1/2 a cup, grated
some extra virgin olive oil
some basil leaves for decoration


Method

1. Heat enough water in a saucepan & put the tomatoes in it. Cook for just 4-5 minutes, until the tomatoes are blanched & the skin can be easily peeled off.
2. Remove the peel from the tomato & blend in the mixer & keep aside.
3. Heat olive oil in a pan, add the onions & saute for a couple of minutes until the they become transparent. Add the chopped garlic & saute for 1-2 minutes more, stirring all the while.
4. Add the tomato puree, salt , sugar & chilli flakes & cook on medium heat until the sauce becomes thick. ( this can take quite a while)
5. Once the sauce is thick enough add the other Italian herbs that you like, or some mixed herbs that are readily available. The sauce is now ready. Keep it aside.
6. Boil enough water in a large vessel. Add 1/4 tsp salt & 1 tsp oil. Add the penne after the water starts boiling. Boil for about 8- 9 minutes. The pasta should be al- dente.( cooked but firm) Drain immediately & refresh under running water. Dribble a tsp of oil over it. Toss gently.
7. Now tip the penne into the ready hot sauce & mix well.
8. Place a serving of the penne on the plate. Top with grated cheese, sprinkle some dried herbs & decorate with some fresh basil.
9. Serve immediately.



P.S - I also sometimes like to serve it with some bechamel or white sauce topping with a sprinkling of cheese & herbs !!! The contrast between the tangy, hot arrabbiata & the creamy, nearly bland white sauce gives the dish an interesting twist.