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Lana Mihajlović posted an update
Level:
Scoolinar
#Tomatochallenge 🍅
Pasta Arrabbiata…I wanted to capture the essence of Italian comfort food with a fiery twist. The aroma of garlic sizzling in golden olive oil filled the kitchen, followed by the sharp, invigorating scent of fresh red chili peppers. As the tomatoes simmered, they softened into a rich, velvety sauce, their natural sweetness balancing the heat from the chilies. I chose penne for its ability to hold the sauce perfectly, each tube catching every bit of that vibrant, spicy goodness.
Bernd Hamrodi, Beatriz Torija and 10 others12 Comments-
Level:
Scoolinary Team
I loved your description of the Pasta Arrabbiata!
I really appreciate how you highlighted the balance between the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and the heat of the chilies. Plus, choosing penne is perfect for capturing the sauce in every bite.
Did you use fresh or canned tomatoes for the sauce? And regarding the spice level, do you have any recommendations on which type of chili provides the best flavor without overpowering the other ingredients?
Thanks for joining the challenge with this delicious creation! ❤️
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Level:
Scoolinar
@sussan_scoolinaryteam For my Pasta Arrabbiata, I used homemade tomato sauce, which I prepare in advance to have on hand for various dishes. In Serbian culture, preserving food for the winter is still a deeply rooted tradition. Every autumn, most families prepare ajvar (a roasted red pepper and eggplant spread), ljutenica (a spicy vegetable relish), pickled vegetables, tomato sauce, jams, and more.
As for the heat, traditional Italian peperoncino peppers are a great choice, along with Bird’s Eye Chili, Fresno Chili, or Aleppo Pepper, depending on the desired intensity and flavor. However, in Serbian cuisine, crushed red pepper (tucana paprika) is a staple spice, so I opted for it in this case. It added a distinctive depth of flavor and a pleasant warmth to the dish.
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Scoolinary Team
@undefined How beautiful it is that you connected Serbian tradition with an Italian dish like Pasta Arrabbiata. It’s fascinating how homemade sauces and preserves reflect such care and love for cooking, and that translates directly into the flavor of the dish. Using tucana paprika to add that distinctive spicy touch is an incredible detail; it shows how culinary cultures can be creatively fused without losing authenticity. I’m sure your arrabbiata not only tasted amazing but also carried a story in every bite!
Once again, thank you for sharing your delicious creation with us.
Best regards.
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Level:
Scoolinary Team
Congratulations on participating in the #TomateChallenge, Chef Lana! 🍅🔥 We’re thrilled to have you as part of this community! You’ve brought the perfect blend of tradition and creativity to this dish. The use of *tucana paprika* adds such a distinct touch—brilliant decision!
Speaking of Serbian traditions, I love how deeply rooted food preservation is in your culture. Do you find that the depth of flavor from your homemade tomato sauce changes over time, or does it stay consistently rich with age? Curious minds want to know! 😊🍝
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Level:
Scoolinar
@Sol Damiani Yes, the depth of flavor in homemade tomato sauce changes over time. When freshly made, it has a bright acidity and freshness, but as it matures, the flavors become more balanced and richer. The natural sugars in the tomatoes develop further, the acidity softens, and the spices blend more harmoniously, creating a deeper, more complex taste.
For long-term storage, I use pasteurization, which preserves the sauce for months while allowing the flavors to evolve naturally. However, during tomato season, I prefer short-term storage in the refrigerator or preserving it in olive oil, which keeps it fresh and enhances its taste over a shorter period.
Chef Sol, have you ever tried Serbian cuisine? If so, what did you like the most? ☺️
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Scoolinary Team
@lanamihajlovic Thank you so much for sharing your experience with tomatoes, Chef Lana! I have to admit, I’m not a chef myself. I do have a long list of Serbian dishes I want to try though—sarma and ćevapi really have me intrigued! I haven’t had the chance to taste them yet, but I can’t wait to discover those rich flavors someday. 😊🍅
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Scoolinar
@Sol Damiani I’m planning to make sarma soon so I’ll be happy to share it with the community ❤️ Sarma is my favorite dish, youu can buy me with it. 😂
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Level:
Scoolinary Team
@lanamihajlovic Can´t wait to see that pic, then! Have a lovely weekend!
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Scoolinar
@Sol Damiani P.S. Being called Chef Lana truly makes me feel good! 🤗👩🏼🍳
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Level:
Scoolinary Team
@lanamihajlovic My pleasure
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Level:
Sous Chef
Comerlo habrá sido como tocar el cielo😍
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Level:
Scoolinar
@loles-mhotmail-com Muchas gracias ❤️
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