Pasta al Sugo Eritrean

Name: Pasta al Sugo Eritrean
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Eritrean
Ingredients: 400g spaghetti or penne; 4 ripe tomatoes, crushed; 1 large onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp berbere; 1 tsp cumin; 2 tbsp tomato paste; Salt and pepper; Fresh basil (optional)

ፓስታ (PAH-stah al SOO-goh)

Eritrean Pasta in Tomato Sauce

⏱ Prep Time 30 min

📈 Difficulty Easy

👥 Servings

🔥 Calories 430 kcal

Spaghetti or penne served with a berbere-spiced tomato sauce, an Eritrean-Italian fusion dish eaten across the country.

Nutrition & Info

Protein 14.0g

Carbs 62.0g

Fat 14.0g

Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

vegetarian vegan dairy-free nut-free

Allergen Warnings

⚠ gluten

Equipment Needed

large pot saucepan colander

Presentation Guide

Vessel: deep plate

Garnishes: basil leaves, grated cheese

Accompaniments: salad, bread

Ingredients

400g spaghetti or penne
4 ripe tomatoes, crushed
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp berbere
1 tsp cumin
2 tbsp tomato paste
Salt and pepper
Fresh basil (optional)

Instructions

1
Cook pasta in boiling salted water according to package directions until al dente, drain and reserve.
2
Meanwhile, sauté onion in olive oil for eight minutes until softened and lightly golden.
3
Add garlic, berbere, and cumin, cook for one minute until fragrant.
4
Add crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, simmer for fifteen minutes until thickened into a rich sauce.
5
Toss cooked pasta with the sauce, season with salt and pepper.
6
Serve in bowls or on plates, the Eritrean way with a side of fresh salad.

💡

Did You Know?

Asmara is one of the few African cities where you can find excellent handmade pasta, a legacy of Italian influence.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

large pot
saucepan
colander

Garnishing

basil leaves, grated cheese

Accompaniments

salad, bread

The Story Behind Pasta al Sugo Eritrean

Pasta is woven into the fabric of Eritrean daily life, a testament to the lasting impact of Italian colonialism. However, Eritrean pasta is never merely Italian. The addition of berbere to tomato sauce, the use of local spices, and the way it is served alongside Eritrean salads make it a unique fusion cuisine. Asmara's many pasta restaurants serve both Italian-style and distinctly Eritrean preparations.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed lunch 📜 Origins: Colonial-era fusion

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