Spicy Kimchi Tomato Pasta: The Ultimate Hangover Cure Pasta
Spicy Kimchi Tomato Pasta: The Ultimate Hangover Cure Pasta
#KimchiRecipe #TomatoSaucePasta #KimchiTomatoPasta #HangoverPasta #WholeTomatoes #UniquePasta #Penne #Rigatoni #Conchiglie
I was inspired to create a unique pasta dish using leftover kimchi and a jar of whole tomatoes. This Kimchi Tomato Pasta is a delightful fusion, offering a spicy kick from the kimchi balanced by the sweet tang of tomatoes. It’s so flavorful, you’ll want to scoop up every last bit of the sauce! I’ve used a fun combination of penne, rigatoni, and conchiglie pasta shapes for added texture and visual appeal. Perfect as a hearty meal or a satisfying hangover cure, this recipe offers a fresh perspective on using kimchi. Beyond stews, stir-fries, or pancakes, this pasta provides a uniquely delicious way to enjoy your fermented cabbage.
Ingredients- Napa cabbage kimchi (well-fermented), 1/2 head, finely chopped
- Olive oil, 2 Tbsp
- Minced garlic, 1 Tbsp
- Black pepper, 1 Tbsp (freshly ground recommended for better flavor)
- Garlic herb salt, 3 Tbsp (can substitute with regular salt, adjust to taste)
- Dried basil, 1 Tbsp
- Dried rosemary, 1 tsp
- Store-bought tomato pasta sauce, 250g
- Whole peeled tomatoes (canned or jarred), 1.1kg
- Concentrated broth cubes (clam and anchovy flavor recommended), 2 cubes
- Water, 400ml
- Kimchi brine, 1/2 ladleful (for extra umami)
- Pasta cooking water, 2 ladlefuls (to adjust sauce consistency)
- Penne pasta, 100g
- Rigatoni pasta, 130g
- Conchiglie pasta, 130g
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by finely chopping the kimchi into bite-sized pieces. In a wide pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Step 2
The key to this flavorful sauce lies in the combination of tomato products. We’ll be using both a store-bought tomato pasta sauce and whole peeled tomatoes. The whole tomatoes provide a fresh, vibrant tomato essence but are typically unseasoned, so we’ll adjust the overall seasoning later.
Step 3
Once the garlic is fragrant, add the chopped kimchi to the pot and stir-fry until it softens slightly. Then, pour in the store-bought tomato pasta sauce and the whole peeled tomatoes.
Step 4
Now, let’s season the sauce. Add the garlic herb salt and freshly ground black pepper. Using freshly ground pepper significantly enhances the aroma and flavor. Also, stir in the dried basil and dried rosemary for an aromatic touch.
Step 5
Add the kimchi brine for an extra layer of savory flavor, along with the 2 concentrated broth cubes. Pour in the 400ml of water. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 6
Once the sauce has boiled vigorously over high heat, reduce the flame to low. Let it simmer gently. This slow simmering process allows the spicy notes of the kimchi and the sweetness of the tomatoes to deeply infuse, creating a rich and complex Kimchi Tomato Pasta sauce. It’s truly a perfect dish to combat a hangover!
Step 7
While the sauce simmers, cook the three types of pasta (penne, rigatoni, and conchiglie) according to package directions, but slightly undercook them by about 2 minutes (al dente). Reserve about 2 ladlefuls of the pasta cooking water. Add the partially cooked pasta to the simmering Kimchi Tomato Pasta sauce. Stir in the reserved pasta water to help create a luscious sauce. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring it back to a simmer, stirring constantly. Then, reduce the heat to medium and let it cook gently, allowing the pasta to finish cooking and absorb the sauce’s flavors as it thickens.
Step 8
As the sauce reduces and thickens, it will become wonderfully rich and creamy. Taste the pasta and sauce, and if needed, add more garlic herb salt to adjust the seasoning. If you don’t have garlic herb salt, regular salt will work as a substitute.
Step 9
Serve the finished Kimchi Tomato Pasta in a bowl, generously spooning the thick, rich sauce over the pasta. Don’t forget to enjoy the sauce on its own – it’s that good! For a beautiful finish, sprinkle some dried parsley on top. This vibrant, spicy, and tangy Kimchi Tomato Pasta is not only a fantastic hangover cure but also a uniquely satisfying meal. Using different pasta shapes adds a fun texture, reminiscent of Korean rice cakes (tteok), making each bite an adventure. Enjoy this refreshing and flavorful pasta!
