Bought bucatini, mushrooms and baby spinach on sale. This spicy tomato sauce caught my eyes; though it’s not cheap, I bought it as it says spicy; I have been craving for spicy sauce and my last spicy chili sauce had finished and waiting for it to be on sale. The spicy tomato sauce isn’t spicy enough for me, I had to ask my mom for some of her chili onion garlic sauce. Will have to add some pureed fresh chili sauce to this new bought spicy sauce when I am using it next time.

“Bucatini is a tubed pasta made of hard durum wheat flour and water, typically 25–30 cm long with a 3 mm diameter, and has an average cooking time of nine minutes. In Italian cuisine, it pairs well with buttery sauces, guanciale, vegetables, cheese, eggs, and anchovies or sardines, and is considered a healthier option for your meals due to its protein, fiber, and folate content. It is traditionally enjoyed with combinations like sardines, all’amatriciana, or cuttlefish ink, and when cooked al dente, it is suitable for stuffing vegetables as it absorbs sauce well while baking.”

“Sliced white mushrooms are low-calorie and versatile, offering B vitamins, selenium, and antioxidants. They support gut health, immune function, and may have cancer-fighting properties. They are a good source of minerals like potassium and phosphorus, and provide protein that aids in satiety. When exposed to UV light, they become a plant-based source of vitamin D, which is important for bone and immune health. Additionally, mushrooms can help regulate blood pressure and may lower cholesterol levels.”

“Spinach is a nutrient-rich leafy green vegetable with benefits including supporting bone health, heart function, and vision. It is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, iron, potassium, and antioxidants, which may help protect against certain cancers and provide energy. These nutrients support everything from immunity to brain function, making spinach a valuable part of a balanced diet. Spinach is an excellent source of vitamins K, A, and C, along with folate, iron, potassium, and magnesium. It contains antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, which help protect against oxidative stress and may support eye health. Fiber promotes healthy digestion and can aid in weight management. It is a low-calorie food that can be enjoyed in large quantities without adding excessive calories.”

Anyway, glad to have pasta meal once a while. My meal is meant to be spicy, but it’s not spicy enough for taste bud. It’s comforting, colourful, healthy and delicious. Let’s cook!!!

Ingredients

250 g bucatini
250 g sliced white mushrooms
200 g baby spinach
80 g diced bacon
5 Tbs spicy tomato sauce
2 Tbs minced garlic
2 Tbs tomato puree
1 Tbs balsamic vinegar
1/2 c water
Parmesan Pecorino
water, to cook bucatini
oil
salt
pepper

Method

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add salt generously to the boiling water. Add the 250g of dried bucatini to the water and stir immediately to prevent the strands from sticking together. Cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, or follow the package directions, which are a good starting point. Start tasting a minute or two early to check the texture.

Remove a piece of pasta, let it cool slightly, and taste it. It should be firm to the bite but not chalky (al dente). Once it’s cooked to your liking, drain the pasta and save a cup of the starchy pasta water to help loosen your sauce if needed. 

In a large saucepan, heat 1 Tbs oil over medium heat. Add diced bacon and cook until it renders it’s fat and starts to turn crispy. Add garlic and cook them for a minute or so, just until the garlic is fragrant. Add the tomato puree and water and stir to combine. Increase the heat to bring the sauce to a simmer. 

Add the balsamic vinegar, spicy tomato sauce, sliced mushrooms and baby spinach to the sauce and stir to combine until baby spinach wilted. Add the cooked pasta, sliced mushrooms, 25 g Parmesan Pecorino, and toss it in the sauce until the pasta and sliced mushrooms evenly coated.  Serve immediately with a glass of red wine!!!

https://helenscchin.com/2021/11/01/mushroom-spinach-bucatini-in-spicy-tomato-sauce/

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