Macaroni with cabanos

Macaroni with Cabanos – A simple and delicious recipe for comfort moments

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Welcome to our kitchen! Today, I invite you to discover a delicious recipe that combines the flavor of macaroni with the goodness of cabanos – a rustic dish full of taste that will delight your taste buds. These macaroni with cabanos are not only an excellent choice for a quick dinner but also a perfect option for moments when you want to surprise your family with something special.

A brief history of the recipe
Macaroni is a staple food in many cultures, with deep roots in culinary tradition. The combination with cabanos, a type of savory sausage, makes this dish not only nutritious but also full of personality. It is a popular recipe that has evolved over the years, maintaining its comforting and tasty essence.

Necessary ingredients
To prepare these macaroni with cabanos, you will need the following ingredients:

- 300 g macaroni (preferably penne or fusilli)
- 200 g cabanos (or smoked sausage)
- 1 liter of water
- 1 tablespoon salt (for water)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, grated or diced
- 200 g mushrooms, sliced
- 200 g tomato paste (or tomato purée)
- 100 ml sour cream (for cooking)
- 3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Herbs (basil, oregano, or thyme) to preference

Details about the ingredients
Cabanos is a sausage with an intense flavor that adds a salty and savory note to the dish. You can choose between smoked or fresh options, depending on your preferences. The macaroni can vary: use whatever you have on hand or prefer. For example, whole wheat macaroni adds an extra fiber note.

Step by step – Your guide to a perfect result
1. Preparing the cabanos: Start by cutting the cabanos into pieces of 2-3 cm. Each piece will host a few macaroni, so make sure they are well cut.

2. Filling the macaroni: Take each macaroni and insert two pieces of cabanos inside. This technique will not only add extra flavor but will make each bite a true taste surprise.

3. Boiling the macaroni: In a large pot, add 1 liter of water and one tablespoon of salt. Bring the water to a boil, and when it starts boiling, carefully add the stuffed macaroni. Boil according to the package instructions, usually between 8-12 minutes, until al dente.

4. Preparing the sauce: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and grated carrot, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.

5. Adding the mushrooms: Continue with the sliced mushrooms, sautéing everything together for 5-6 minutes until the mushrooms release their water and become slightly browned.

6. Combining the ingredients: Add the tomato paste to the skillet and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Then, add the sour cream, chopped garlic, salt, and pepper to taste. You can add herbs for extra flavor. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for another 3-4 minutes.

7. Finishing the dish: When the macaroni are ready, drain them and mix them with the prepared sauce. Make sure each piece of macaroni is well coated with the delicious sauce.

8. Serving: Serve immediately, sprinkling some freshly chopped parsley or grated parmesan on top if desired. These macaroni with cabanos are excellent both hot and at room temperature.

Useful tips
- You can add extra vegetables to the sauce, such as bell peppers or zucchini, to bring additional nutrients and texture.
- If you prefer more sauce, feel free to double the amount of sour cream and tomato paste for a creamier consistency.
- Instead of cabanos, you can also use other types of sausages or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes, you can experiment with different types of pasta. Each type has different characteristics, so choose the one you like best.

2. How can I make the recipe healthier?
Use whole grain pasta and reduce the amount of oil in the sauce. You can also add more vegetables to increase the vitamin intake.

3. What drinks pair well with this recipe?
A light beer or a dry white wine are excellent choices to accompany these macaroni. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, a cold herbal tea could be perfect.

4. How long do they keep?
These macaroni can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the stove with a little water or sour cream to bring them back to life.

Nutritional benefits
This macaroni with cabanos recipe is not only tasty but also nutritious. Cabanos provides essential proteins, while macaroni offers carbohydrates for energy. Carrots add a boost of vitamins, and mushrooms contribute antioxidants. Sour cream adds calcium, essential for bone health.

Personal note
This recipe was passed down to me by my grandmother, who always prepared it on cool autumn days. She served it with a lot of warmth, and the aroma in the kitchen brought the whole family together. I encourage you to try this recipe and add your own variations, perhaps even cherished memories alongside it.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to get cooking! Enjoy your meal!