Dalmatian Pasta

Background and Description

Dalmatian Pasta is a delightful dish inspired by the coastal region of Dalmatia in Croatia. Known for its stunning coastline, historical cities, and fresh seafood, Dalmatia offers a rich culinary heritage that is celebrated in this exquisite pasta dish. Traditionally, Dalmatian cuisine is a blend of Mediterranean influences with a focus on simplicity and natural flavors. This recipe brings together the essence of Dalmatia with a combination of fresh tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and succulent shrimp.

Ingredients

• Vine-ripened Tomatoes - 4 large
• Garlic - 3 cloves
• Olive Oil - 3 tablespoons
• Spaghetti - 400g
• Shrimp - 250g, peeled and deveined
• White Wine - 1/2 cup
• Red Pepper Flakes - 1 teaspoon
• Fresh Basil - 1/4 cup, chopped
• Salt - to taste
• Black Pepper - to taste
• Parmesan Cheese - for garnish

Preparation

1. Preparing the Ingredients

Begin by finely chopping the garlic. Quarter the tomatoes and remove the seeds if preferred. This helps create a smooth and rich sauce. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel, ensuring they are free of excess moisture.

2. Cooking the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the spaghetti. Cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Set a timer to ensure the pasta is perfectly cooked. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.

Cooking Process

3. Making the Sauce

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and sauté until golden brown and fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter.

To the same pan, add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they start breaking down, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the red pepper flakes and pour in the white wine. Let it simmer until the wine has reduced by half.

4. Incorporating the Shrimp

Add the prepared shrimp to the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until they turn pink and opaque, indicating they are cooked through. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

5. Bringing it All Together

Combine the cooked spaghetti with the sauce, tossing to ensure the pasta is fully coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water for desired consistency. Stir in the fresh basil.

Enjoying the Meal

Serve the Dalmatian Pasta hot, garnished with freshly grated parmesan cheese for an additional layer of flavor. Pair it with a crisp white wine to complement the seafood and savor the vibrant taste reminiscent of the Dalmatian coast. This dish is best enjoyed al fresco, with good company, and a view of the sea if possible.