Lutong Bahay: Pasta Puttanesca with Contadina + Giveaway!

We've made it through 2016, everyone! But I think I got out of it fifteen pounds heavier. Haha! I'd love to put all the blame to the festive eating I've been indulging on throughout the holiday season. But really, I know I wanted it. (ര̀ᴗര́)v

Anyhow, one of which I just couldn't resist whenever I see on the dining table is pasta. It's a dish I've loved since a kid, and one I've experimented on loads of times. So before the year 2016 ended, I was just so happy to have received a gift pack from Contadina.

Contadina is a premium brand of Italian-inspired products under Del Monte which carries different varieties of pasta sauces, canned tomatoes, olive oils, pasta, and more. And I'm just happy that it has made its way to the Philippines, with Food Network program host, gourmet and domestic goddess Ms. Nigella Lawson as its endorser.

Noche Buena and Media Noche may be over, but I'd like to share with you an easy-to-make pasta recipe that can make even a quick meal a little more festive. Pasta Puttanesca has been one of my most favorite pasta dishes -- simple, tasty, and made from easy-to-find, usually-pantry-staple ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 250g Contadina Linguine Pasta or pasta of your choice
• 3 tbsp. Contadina Pure Olive Oil
• 4 to 6 cloves of garlic, chopped
• 1 tin of anchovy fillets, drained (I used bottled tawilis as alternative)
• 1 can of Contadina Diced Tomatoes in Italian Herbs
• 1/4 cup Basil leaves, chopped
• 1/4 cup pitted olives, chopped
• 2 tbsp. capers
• crushed red pepper flakes, as much or as little as you like
• salt and pepper
• grated Parmesan cheese

Procedure:

1. Boil a pot of water, add some salt and cooking oil, and cook the pasta until al dente.
2. While boiling the pasta, in a sauce pan, saute garlic, anchovies (or alternative) and crushed red pepper flakes in olive oil on low fire.
3. When the anchovies (or alternative) have broken down, add the tomatoes, olives, capers and basil leaves. Simmer for 5 minutes on medium heat.
4. Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper as desired. You might need to add salt if you didn't use anchovies like I did.
5. When the pasta is cooked, drain and immediately toss with the sauce to combine.
6. Top with grated Parmesan cheese, and add more crushed pepper flakes if you like. Serve and enjoy!

I know this might not really be an authentic Pasta Puttanesca as I only used an anchovy alternative. However, it tasted good and had all the other elements of a puttanesca. On my next trips to the supermarket though, I'll make sure to keep my eyes peeled for some tinned anchovy fillets, so I can make this recipe again using anchovies. And I'll definitely update this post by then! v(°∇^*)⌒☆

Now, to make things more fun this start of 2017, here's a chance for you to recreate this Pasta Puttanesca recipe, or even cook up a pasta recipe of your own! Simply follow the mechanics below, and you can win a Contadina Gift Package! （ゝ。∂）b

Prize: (1) winner of Contadina Gift Package

PLEASE READ!
Guidelines to enter the giveaway raffle:

1. This giveaway is open to Metro Manila residents, or anyone who can claim the prize in Makati until January 20.
2. Follow the Rafflecopter mechanics below to join.
3. Make sure you do all the first four mandatory steps to be eligible.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


The giveaway raffle will run from today until January 12, 2017. The winner will be drawn, announced and contacted the next day. Join this easy giveaway raffle and enjoy premium Italian-inspired products by Contadina!

Disclaimer: The prize was sponsored by the good folks at Contadina Philippines.