I don’t know if you can remember, but I’ve mentioned before that when I try to cook a new pasta dish, I always end up making my Filipino Spaghetti. With all the delicious pasta I’ve eaten the past months, I think that would change. Well, hopefully.
Today, I am going to share with you something you may find “exotic” – Gourmet Tuyo Pasta in Cream. My fellow Filipinos may have already heard and probably made a Gourmet Tuyo Pasta. Back then, I was pretty sure I’ll never make or eat it as I find it a little weird adding a “tuyo” to a pasta dish. I’ve never tried eating “tuyo” when I was a kid or any dried fish because of its pungent smell. As I grow up, I’ve learned to appreciate and love the “poor man’s fish”.
What is “tuyo”? “Tuyo” is a Filipino term for “dry”, but also “tuyo” is a type of dried fish (specifically, dried herring). It is considered “food of the poor” because of its low price. Now, the “poor man’s fish” went to the next level of fame by being placed in a bottle with oil and spices and Filipinos call it “Gourmet Tuyo”. Of course, the fish have undergone some cooking before being bottled.
The Gourmet Tuyo has been trending in the Philippines for some time now, but I haven’t tried it until two months ago. I received and purchased a few bottles from my Instagram friends – you can see it in my feed. The one I used in this dish is Hungry Cy’s Gourmet Tuyo.
– a gift from one of the sweetest and funniest friends I met through Instagram, Malu (@themommyiscooking). I also consider her as one of my closest Instagram friends.
Now, to the pasta dish…
I usually see a version of Gourmet Tuyo Pasta like Aglio Olio. Now, imagine Aglio Olio with flaked fish, tomatoes, cream and spinach – that’s close to my Gourmet Tuyo Pasta in Cream. Did I say the “tuyo” has a pungent smell? Well, that smell disappears when they are cooked with spices and bottled and/or added to a dish. Hmm, at least the bottles of gourmet tuyo I have tried.
The result? IT IS SURPRISINGLY DELISH! The flavor of the gourmet tuyo goes very well with the pasta and cream. It is creamy and tasty. I used Nestle all-purpose cream because the idea of using heavy cream seems a bit, well, heavy! Hahaha! I never expected I would love it, but I did and I am sure I will make it again. In fact, I might try making my own gourmet tuyo. 😉
I haven’t been to any parties for the last two weeks, but I am glad I am back for this week. I am taking this with me at Fiesta Friday #253. Thank you, Angie and to our co-hosts, Liz @ Spades, Spatulas, and Spoons and Mila @ Milkandbun.
Gourmet Tuyo Pasta in Cream
This Gourmet Tuyo Pasta in Cream is surprisingly delish. The flavor of the gourmet tuyo goes very well with pasta and cream.
Ingredients
- 250 g uncooked pasta I always prefer spaghetti
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp oil from the gourmet tuyo
- 3 tbsp garlic minced
- Half or whole jar of gourmet tuyo drained, reserve the oil
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes cut in half, optional
- 250 ml (1 cup) Nestle all-purpose cream (or cooking cream)
- 60 ml (1/4 cup) evaporated milk
- 2 handful of baby spinach washed and drained
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese grated
Instructions
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Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
While the pasta is cooking:
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In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter and add 1 tbsp oil from the jar of gourmet tuyo.
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Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
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Once the garlic is fragrant and cooked, add the drained half or a whole jar of gourmet tuyo with 2 tbsp of oil from the jar of gourmet tuyo.
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Add cherry tomatoes, cream and evaporated milk. Let it simmer for few minutes then add the cooked and drained pasta and two handfuls of spinach. You can add more halved cherry tomatoes if you like.
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Turn off the heat and season your pasta with salt and pepper. (You can even add chili flakes.)
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Serve with grated parmesan cheese.
Recipe Notes
The amount of gourmet tuyo depends on you. I used a large jar, so I only used half of it. I need to keep the half to enjoy with rice. 😀
I used Nestle all-purpose cream usually sold in any grocery store in the Philippines. If you are outside the Philippines, you may find it in the Asian section in your local grocery store. If not, you can use cooking cream.
Before you go…
If you are a pasta lover like me, you might enjoy this CHICKEN AND SUN-DRIED TOMATO PASTA WITH MOZZARELLA SAUCE.
Thanks a bunch for spending your precious time with me!
I am also sharing this at
Cook Once Eat Twice | Happiness is Homemade | Mix it up Monday | Melt in your Mouth Monday | What’d You Do This Weekend? | Delicious Dishes Recipe Party | Cook Blog Share | Dishing It & Digging It | Lou Lou Girls Fabulous Party | Cooking & Crafting with J & J |