Picture this: a cozy evening at home, the scent of simmering tomatoes mingling with a daring twist—dark chocolate.
Yes, chocolate in your pasta sauce! Trust me, it’s a revelation.
Just like that unexpected plot twist in your favorite TV show, this recipe will have you rethinking everything you knew about marinara.
Steps
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until it reaches an al dente texture as per the package instructions.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about a minute, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Incorporate crushed tomatoes, fresh basil, chopped dark chocolate, sea salt, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes into the saucepan. Stir all ingredients until well combined.
- Lower the heat to medium-low, cover the saucepan, and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it thoroughly. You can either serve the pasta with the sauce poured on top or mix the cooked pasta directly with the sauce. Add optional garnishes like extra basil or Parmesan cheese if desired.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces dried pasta (such as linguine)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped and loosely packed
- 1 ounce dark chocolate, chopped
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Optional garnishes: additional fresh basil, julienned, and Parmesan cheese
FAQ
- What type of chocolate is used in the pasta sauce?
- The recipe uses chopped dark chocolate to add a subtle and warm hint to the marinara sauce, which perfectly balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Is this dish suitable for vegetarians and vegans?
- Yes, this pasta with dark chocolate marinara sauce is both vegetarian and vegan, making it a versatile dish for various dietary preferences.
- Can I make the sauce spicier?
- Absolutely! While the recipe keeps it simple with fresh basil, you can add more spice by incorporating additional crushed red pepper flakes or creating a spicier diablo sauce variation.
- What are some optional garnishes for this dish?
- You can garnish the pasta with additional julienned fresh basil and Parmesan cheese for extra flavor and presentation.
- How should the pasta be cooked?
- The pasta should be cooked al dente in generously-salted water according to the package instructions to ensure the best texture for the dish.
Tips
- To balance the acidity of the tomatoes, incorporate finely chopped dark chocolate into the sauce; it provides a subtle richness without overpowering the dish.
- For a spicier version, consider adding more crushed red pepper flakes or incorporating a touch of chili to create a diablo sauce variation.
- Cook the pasta until it is just al dente in well-salted water; this ensures it retains a good texture when mixed with the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added flavor and visual appeal.
Equipment
- Medium Skillet or Saucepan – If you don’t have a medium skillet or saucepan for preparing the sauce, this could be an essential purchase.
- Garlic Press – Useful for mincing garlic if you prefer a more efficient method.
- Chef’s Knife – For chopping ingredients like dark chocolate and fresh basil.
- Cutting Board – Essential for preparing ingredients like garlic and basil.
