Spicy Coconut Noodles

Coconut! I am a devoted coconut lover. Coconut cake. Coconut cookies. Coconut ice cream. A few days ago I made individual chocolate coconut cream pies that will be appearing on this blog as soon as I sit down and write the post. I love 'em all. But coconut desserts are the easy part...what's really exciting is finding a recipe that lets you incorporate coconut into the main course...now we're talking!

I've run into a few of these over the years, and they have a special place in my crazy conglomerate of a recipe collection. Coconut shrimp risotto, for example. Coconut fusilli. I even have a recipe for a coconut soup. But for a coconut lover like me, you can never have too many coconut recipes, so when I spotted this one in the always wonderful Real Simple, I knew it had my name on it. The light sauce is a combo of sweet coconut milk with spicy chili sauce and tomato sauce, and the pasta gets tossed with this sauce, some scallions and bean sprouts and fresh basil and topped with...you guessed it, more coconut!

And for dessert, I think I will have me one of these. Because you know they are in my freezer!

Spicy Coconut Noodles, adapted from Real Simple

• 8 ounces fettuccine
• 1 13.5-ounce can unsweetened coconut milk
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon chili paste or sauce (optional)
• 3 scallions, thinly sliced
• 8 ounces bean sprouts
• 16 basil leaves, whole or torn
• 1/4 cup shredded coconut, toasted
  

1. Cook the pasta according to the package directions.
2. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, over medium heat, combine the coconut milk, tomato paste, chili powder, salt, and chili paste or sauce (if using). Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Stir in the drained noodles and toss. Divide the noodles among individual bowls. Top with the scallions, sprouts, basil, and coconut.