Allium in the Family
Middle Eastern Pasta with Garlic-Tomato Sauce and Caramelized Onion Ragout
42 minutes
Serves 4
DinnerMiddle Eastern
Herb's take
Inspired by Levantine comfort food, this dinner marries silky pasta with a garlicky tomato sauce and a sweet, deeply caramelized onion topping. You'll learn how to coax complex flavors from onions and why Middle Eastern spices sing with tomatoes.
Ingredients
Yield
4
Instructions
- 01Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are deep golden brown and jammy, about 22 minutes.
- 02While onions cook, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until just al dente. Reserve 3/4 cup pasta water, then drain.
- 03In a separate large saute pan, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant but not browned, about 1 minute.
- 04Sprinkle in cumin, coriander, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir for 30 seconds until aromatic.
- 05Add diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato paste, sugar, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and dried mint. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
- 06Simmer the sauce for 7-9 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened slightly.
- 07Add drained pasta to the tomato sauce along with half the reserved pasta water. Toss well to coat. Add more pasta water as needed for a silky sauce that clings to the noodles.
- 08Taste and adjust salt. Mound pasta onto plates. Top each portion generously with caramelized onion ragout, sprinkle with parsley, and add a squeeze of lemon before serving.
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