Creamy Paprika Sauce Pasta

Steps

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1. 1
   Place a wire rack directly over the flame. Set two red bell peppers, one small onion, and one small tomato on it. Roast over direct flame, turning occasionally, until the skin is completely blackened and charred on all sides. The tomato and onion will finish in about 3–4 minutes; transfer them to a bowl and cover. Continue roasting the peppers for another 1–2 minutes until fully charred all over. Transfer everything to the same bowl, cover, and let steam for 2–4 minutes to soften further.
   ▶ ≈1:12
2. 2
   Once cooled, peel away the charred skin from all three vegetables. Rinse quickly under water if needed to ease peeling. Remove the core and seeds from the peppers and discard. Trim the eye of the tomato and chop it roughly. Cut the onion into quarters.
   ▶ ≈3:10
3. 3
   Add the roasted vegetables, paneer, 10–15 garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon Kashmiri red chilli powder, and water to a blender. Blend into a completely smooth, fine sauce. Strain the sauce into a pan through a fine sieve; the consistency should be silky and velvety.
   ▶ ≈4:00
4. 4
   Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add a large pinch of salt. Add 200 grams of rigatoni and cook according to package instructions, about 10 minutes for this pasta. Rigatoni's grooves hold the sauce beautifully. Check doneness by cutting a piece through the centre—there should be no white ring inside. Once cooked, drain the pasta and reserve 1–2 ladles of pasta water.
   ▶ ≈6:16
5. 5
   Place the pan with strained sauce over low heat and bring to a gentle simmer. Season with salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and 1 teaspoon honey. Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes until the pasta is ready.
   ▶ ≈6:58
6. 6
   Add the drained pasta directly into the sauce and toss well so every piece is evenly coated. No further cooking is needed—just mix through. Add pasta water one ladle at a time to adjust the consistency to your liking. Taste and adjust seasoning. Finish with fresh coriander and toss lightly.
   ▶ ≈8:30
7. 7
   Serve the creamy paprika sauce pasta immediately.
   ▶ ≈9:20