A Spicy and hearty Jamaican-inspired dish: Rasta Pasta

Introduction

Rasta pasta is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines elements of Jamaican and Italian cuisine. This unique recipe brings together the spicy and aromatic flavors of Jamaica with the creamy and indulgent elements of Italian pasta dishes. Rasta pasta is perfect for those who enjoy bold and exciting flavors, and it’s a great way to introduce some Caribbean flair into your cooking. In this blog post, we’ll explore the ingredients and directions for making this delicious and satisfying dish.

Ingredients

To make rasta pasta, you will need the following ingredients:

• 8 ounces of penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
• 2 tablespoons of jerk seasoning
• 1 can (14 ounces) of coconut milk
• 1 cup of diced tomatoes
• 1 cup of sliced mushrooms
• 1 cup of frozen peas
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Directions

Follow these steps to prepare rasta pasta:

1. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and jalapeno pepper to the skillet. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
4. Sprinkle the jerk seasoning over the vegetables and stir well to coat evenly.
5. Pour in the coconut milk and diced tomatoes, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. Add the sliced mushrooms and frozen peas to the skillet. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, until the mushrooms are tender and the peas are heated through.
7. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat the pasta in the sauce.
9. Serve the rasta pasta hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Enjoy the explosion of flavors in every bite of this delicious rasta pasta dish!

FAQ

1. Can I make this recipe vegan?
   Absolutely! To make this recipe vegan, simply omit the jerk seasoning or use a vegan-friendly jerk seasoning. Also, make sure to check that all the ingredients you use are free from animal products.

2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
   Yes, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free by substituting the penne pasta with a gluten-free pasta option, such as rice or corn pasta.

3. Is jerk seasoning spicy?
   Jerk seasoning can be spicy, but the level of heat can vary depending on the brand and the amount used. If you prefer a milder version, adjust the amount of jerk seasoning to your taste or use a mild version of the seasoning.

4. Can I add other vegetables to the rasta pasta?
   Absolutely! Feel free to customize your rasta pasta by adding your favorite vegetables. Some popular additions include zucchini, spinach, or even carrots.

5. How long does rasta pasta last in the fridge?
   Rasta pasta can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Now that you have the recipe and all the answers to your questions, it’s time to get cooking! Gather your ingredients, unleash your inner chef, and enjoy the flavors of rasta pasta. Bon appétit!