Leeky Harissa Pasta with Labneh
/I have been asked many times what’s one thing that will always be found in my fridge, well it’s not one but four - 1 lb of leeks, 2 Fennel Bulbs, one head of confit garlic and a tub of Greek Yoghurt…No kidding, literally always! However my amnesiac partner keeps forgetting this rule and buys leek in every produce run to make me happy. So one time I had 3lbs leeks to finish & this quick Pasta dish was born! Clearly, we need to work on our communication, and you all need to try this easy umami laden pasta dish.
Ingredients (serves 2)
2.5 tbsp Olive Oil
190g thinly sliced Leeks
6 garlic cloves, crushed
250g cherry tomatoes, halved
2 small sweet peppers, thinly sliced
1 tbsp Tomato Paste
2 tbsp harissa paste (Spicy kind); increase to 3 tbsp if using mild variety
1 tbsp ground coriander seeds
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp Miso paste
80ml water
225g dried pasta (any kind)
Topping (per serving)
1 tbsp lemon juice
3-4 tbsp Labneh (substitute with Greek Yoghurt or Vegan Yoghurt)
1 tbsp chopped chives
1/4 tsp Aleppo pepper flakes
Directions
💥In a deep bottomed pan, heat up oil, add leeks, peppers & garlic. Cook on low flame for 7 mins or until soft & caramelized. Add tomatoes & cook for 11 mins or until tomatoes have almost broken down
💥Now add tomato paste, harissa, sugar & spices; increase heat to medium flame & cook for 2 mins. Add miso, water & cook for 5 mins or until it’s thick & saucy
💥Cook pasta according to package instructions & reserve 60ml cooking water. Now transfer both pasta alongwith reserved cooking water into the sauce & increase heat to high. Mix everything well & cook on high heat for 2-3 mins or until the sauce is at your desired consistency
💥Divide into 2 serving bowls - add lemon juice, spoon Labneh on top & finish with chives & Aleppo. Give it a good mix before eating, enjoy!
*Notes:
- Preferably use Red Miso
- No chives, try parsley; No Aleppo, try chile flakes
- I have used yoghurt, crème fraîche, sour cream & all works great so use whatever is in your pantry however Labneh is my personal favorite