There are two kinds of people when they see a pack of Pasta. The first kind immediately thinks, ‘Pasta and stew’. The second kind looks at that same pack and thinks, “I need to make something different’. Thankfully, Nigerians have a special talent for taking everyday meals and giving them a delicious local upgrade. Trust that they did it with Pasta as well.

Somewhere along the line, someone decided that pasta deserved a proper Nigerian makeover, and native pasta became the answer. If you’re reading this article, we’re hoping you’re part of the second kind looking to make something different because we’re about to give you a guide with the result being A+ in enjoyment.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 pack Golden Penny Pasta
• Palm oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• Fresh peppers (ata rodo and tatashe blend)
• 1 cup smoked fish, shredded
• Ponmo, dried fish
• Crayfish
• Seasoning cube
• Salt to taste
• Ugwu leaves
• Water as needed

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a pot of water to a boil and add your Golden Penny Pasta. Cook according to the instructions on the pack until the pasta is al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Native Sauce Base

Place another pot on medium heat and add your palm oil. Allow it to bleach slightly before adding the chopped onions. Sauté your onions for a few minutes until fragrant and then add your locust beans, blended peppers and stir well. Allow the pepper mixture to cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Add Your Proteins

Add the smoked fish, pomo and crayfish to the sauce. Stir everything together and allow it to simmer for a few minutes. Add seasoning cube, and salt to taste. Stir thoroughly to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the sauce and simmer for another 3-5 minutes. By this time, your kitchen will already begin to smell amazing.

Step 4: Coat Properly

In the pot with your sauce, pour in your Golden Penny Pasta. Mix gently until every strand of pasta is properly coated and the flavours are hugging each other. Add ugwu leaves to give it that final local touch and stir. There you have it, the perfect native pasta.

Step 5: Introduce the star of the day

Serve your Golden Penny native pasta hot with your choice of protein and serve with a cold drink. If you’re feeling extra, add fried plantains on the side because there’s no such thing as “too much enjoyment”.

Conclusion

If you take the last forkful of your native pasta and you’re not already planning when next you’ll make it, then something is wrong somewhere because even the naija feel, and the hot pepper kick with Golden Penny Pasta will have you craving another round.

So the next time you’re tempted to make your same old pasta recipe, try giving it a native twist using this recipe with Golden Penny Pasta, check our website for more and chop life like never before.