Italian Pasta Recipes - Milanese Spiced Red Pasta (Pasta Rosso Piccante alla Milanese) Recipe

Ingredients                     

• 2 red onions, sliced

• 1 red (bell) pepper, cut into thin strips

• 1 red chili, seeded and thinly sliced

• 1 garlic clove, crushed

• 45 ml/3 tbsp olive oil

• 400 g/14 oz/1large can chopped tomatoes

• 15 ml/1 tbsp tomato puree (paste)

• 45 ml/3 tbsp water

• 5 ml/1 tsp dried oregano

• 8 stuffed green olives (optional)

• 50 g/2 oz Mortadella, diced

• 50 g/2 oz Milano salami, diced

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• 350 g/12 oz red conchiglie

• Grated Parmesan cheese

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Method:

1. Fry (sauté) the onion, pepper, chili and garlic in the oil for 3 minutes until softened but not browned.

2. Add the tomatoes and the tomato puree blended with the water and the oregano.

3. Bring to the boil, reduce the heat and simmer gently for about 10 minutes until pulpy.

4. Add the olives, if using, and the diced sausages and cook for a further 2 minutes. Season to taste with salt, if necessary, and plenty of black pepper.

5. Cook the pasta in plenty of boiling, salted water according to the packet directions. Drain and return to the pan.

6. Add the sauce and toss well. Pile on to hot plates and serve with the Parmesan cheese.