Penarth Nub News has teamed up with a local chef, who will be providing regular recipes for you to try out whilst the town is in lockdown.

We have been thinking of ways to encourage people to keep entertained during their time in isolation and cooking is a perfect activity to do alone or as a family.

Tom Hann, our local chef, has been out of work since the restaurant he worked in (The Pilot) shut its doors temporarily due to the coronavirus outbreak.

He has been finding ways to keep the community cooking; including, providing meal plans for his neighbours.

This recipe is an easy-to-make pasta sauce for vegetarian and meat lovers alike.

Ingredients

• 100g pancetta or 2 slices bacon finely chopped ( for meat lovers only)

• 1 small or ½ a large red onion

• 6 fresh tomatoes

• 1 bunch basil

• 1 tub of cream cheese

• Olive oil

• Salt/pepper to taste

• 1 bag of pasta (if that's too much then cook ½ bag pasta and reduce above sauce quantities)

Method:

This easy pasta dish is just as tasty for vegetarians and meat-eaters.

1. If using bacon/pancetta cook off till crispy then set aside
2. Chop ½ red onion with 1 tablespoon olive oil on a medium heat until soft and translucent.
3. Add the chopped fresh tomato to the onions and cook slowly until tomato softens and they start to disintegrate.
4. While the tomato is cooking slowly, cook the pasta in a separate pan (use any pasta you like and follow the instructions on the packet).
5. Keep an eye on your sauce and add a little water if necessary, you don't want the mix to dry out.
6. Now add the chopped basil. I use the whole bunch as I love the peppery taste.
7. Finally, just as the basil is wilting, add the cream cheese. Stir until the mix is hot through. Add the pancetta back into the pan if using and salt and pepper to taste.
8. If you haven't already, drain your pasta. You can either mix the sauce through all the pasta and serve, or plate up the pasta and dollop the sauce on top.
9. Finish with a grating of parmesan.

To find yesterday's recipe click here.