Italian Drunken Noodles is not a traditional Italian dish; rather, it is a fusion dish that combines Italian and Thai flavors. The name might suggest a connection to Italian cuisine, but the dish itself is more inspired by Thai cuisine. Drunken Noodles, or Pad Kee Mao, is a popular Thai dish known for its spicy and savory flavors.
Here’s a recipe for Italian Drunken Noodles:
Ingredients:
- 8 oz wide rice noodles
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/3 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup capers
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions:
- Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook until softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, black olives, and capers. Cook until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Pour in the red wine and balsamic vinegar. Allow the mixture to simmer and reduce for a few minutes.
- Season the vegetables with dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Add the cooked rice noodles to the skillet and toss everything together until the noodles are well-coated with the sauce and vegetables.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot. Optionally, you can sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
Enjoy your Italian-inspired drunken noodles with a fusion of flavors!