Red Sauce Pasta (Red Pasta)

Step 1

Firstly steam or cook 1 cup of the mixed chopped vegetables till they are softened and fork tender. They should not be over cooked. You can steam or cook them in a pressure cooker for 1 whistle or steam in a steamer pan adding water as needed.

Step 2

For the veggies I have used a mix of cauliflower florets, carrots and potatoes. I have also added some sweet corn (⅓ cup). You can also add some green peas instead of sweet corn or a mix of both.

Step 3

Heat 2.5 cups water, ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon oil in a pan till the water comes to a boil.

Step 4

Then add the macaroni pasta or your preferred pasta variety.

Step 5

On a medium to high heat cook till the pasta are al dente or you can opt to cook them more until they are soft, but do not overcook them.

Step 6

Then in a colander or strainer, strain the pasta and set aside.

Step 7

In a food chopper, food processor or in a mixer or blender, crush 2 large tomatoes (220 grams) to a fine puree. Keep aside. There is no need to blanch the tomatoes before pureeing them.

Step 8

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a pan or wok or frying pan or sauté pan. Add the bay leaf or tej patta and finely chopped or minced garlic.

Step 9

Sauté for some seconds till the raw aroma of garlic goes away. No need to brown the garlic.

Step 10

Add ⅓ cup finely chopped onions and begin to sauté the onions on a low to medium heat.

Step 11

Sauté till the onions turn translucent and are softened.

Step 12

Then add the prepared tomato puree. If using ready store brought tomato puree, then add 1 cup of it.

Step 13

Mix very well and begin to sauté the red sauce mixture.

Step 14

Stir at intervals and sauté till you see the oil leaving the sides and the sauce has thickened a bit. This means that the tomato puree has cooked.

Step 15

Then add the chopped button mushrooms.

Step 16

Mix very well and saute for 6 to 7 minutes on a low to medium heat.

Step 17

Next add the chopped capsicum. Mix well.

Step 18

Sauté the capsicum for 4 to 5 minutes on a low to medium heat. By now the capsicum will be half cooked and the mushrooms will be cooked.

Step 19

Add ½ teaspoon sugar or as required.

Step 20

Then add ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg powder & ¼ to ½ teaspoon black pepper powder.

Step 21

Next add salt as per taste. Mix very well. If using white or red wine, then you can add at this step. So thus add 1 tablespoon white or red wine.

Step 22

Add the steamed veggies and ⅓ cup boiled sweet corn kernels.

Step 23

Then add the cooked pasta.

Step 24

Gently toss and mix everything very well, so that the red sauce coats the pasta as well as the veggies. At this step you can also opt to add some grated cheese or cream and mix.

Step 25

Lastly turn off the heat. Add 1 teaspoon chopped fresh basil leaves. Mix well.

Step 26

Serve red sauce pasta hot or warm or cold. This pasta tastes good even when served at room temperature. You can garnish it with some grated cheddar cheese while serving.