How to make Authentic Italian Pasta with Potatoes

You are not going to see Pasta with Potatoes in any Italian restaurant, but out here in the South of Italy, most Italian families have this dish on the menu at least once or twice a month in their homes. This particular version of the dish, was given to me by my Italian Mother in Law, who is from Sicily, and it has been passed down through the generations with very little variation. Pasta and potatoes may sound a little odd as a combination, but I can assure you that if it is cooked right, then it is one of the great Southern Italian dishes. This recipe serves about four people.

Ingredients.
Extra virgin Olive oil
One medium onion
A piece of stewing or braising beef
A medium tin of Italian peeled tomatoes
One carrot
About seven medium potatoes
Pasta (not spaghetti)
One chilli pepper. (optional)

Step one. Prepare the tomato sauce, which forms the base for most pasta dishes. Cut and fry the onion, and add the diced stewing beef. When the onions and beef are nicely cooked, add some water. Continue boiling the mixture, adding water as it reduces, until you have dissolved most of the onion. Take out the beef and put to one side, to be eaten later.

Step two. Add the tin of tomatoes, and grate the carrot into the mixture. Continue simmering, then dice the potatoes and add to the pan. Simmer for about five to ten minutes, then add about 160 grams of Pasta. Continue to cook the mixture until the pasta is ready.
Step three. This is an optional step which will liven up the taste of the meal. Before serving , you can add a diced up chilli pepper, which will give the potatoes a bit of 'bite.' If you want to give your guests the option of making the dish 'hot,' then you can prepare a chilli sauce which can be added at the table.

To prepare a chilli sauce in the Southern Italian style, you need about five chilli peppers and a little olive oil. Fry the chilli peppers in the oil, until they are starting to burn. Remove from the heat and put in a glass container, preferable with a lid. Cover them with olive oil and put the top on the container. Leave to cool, and shake from time to time to release the flavour. This chilli sauce, can be put on the table to be used at will, with numerous past dishes, including pasta and potatoes.

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