Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek's strawberry pasta craze goes viral

Dubai: Polish tennis sensation Iga Swiatek has stirred up a social media frenzy after revealing her surprising favourite dish: pasta with strawberries. The Wimbledon champion's culinary confession, shared after a recent match victory, has piqued interest in this unique classic Polish sweet pasta recipe.

While Italy is globally celebrated for its pasta traditions, this unconventional sweet and savoury combination might raise an eyebrow or two. Swiatek enthusiastically described her childhood comfort food, suggesting, "You should try it. Pasta, strawberries and a bit of yoghurt, it's just delicious." Her endorsement has propelled this traditional Polish dish, often enjoyed as a sweet main course or a delightful dessert, into the international spotlight.

The widespread fascination with Swiatek's revelation highlights the incredibly diverse and sometimes unexpected world of international cuisine. This unique take on pasta offers a delightful new flavour experience for those keen to explore dishes beyond typical savoury preparations. It's a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly memorable and widely discussed.

Social media reacts to the strawberry pasta phenomenon

The unique style of enjoying pasta has sparked a wave of comments from food lovers across social media platforms. A notable reaction came from Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who shared a photo of himself watching the tennis star's interview while savouring a plate of strawberry pasta, adding to the dish's viral appeal.

Here are some more interesting social media reactions to this sweet twist on pasta:

American tennis player @amandaanisimova expressed surprise and commented on Instagram, "Pasta with what?"

Another viewer @withmetravel commented, "Classic Polish summer dish! Try it."

A fan said, "So relatable for many Polish fans. Thank you, Iga - not only for a great match, but also for the brave promotion of a true summer classic from Polish cuisine."

Another user @ziewotka added, "I felt so patriotic when she said that."

How to make Polish strawberry pasta with yoghurt

Inspired to try this viral dish yourself? Here's a simple guide to prepare Iga Swiatek's favourite strawberry pasta at home.

Ingredients you need:

• 150-200gms pasta (traditionally small pasta like twarozkowy makaron, but penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti work well)

• 250gms fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped

• 200gms plain or vanilla yoghurt (or use thick Greek yoghurt for extra creaminess)

• 1-2 tbsp sugar (adjust based on the sweetness of your strawberries)

• Pinch of salt

Steps to make strawberry pasta:

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.

2. Add the pasta and cook according to packet instructions until it's tender.

3. While the pasta is cooking, wash, hull, and chop the strawberries into small pieces.

4. Place the chopped strawberries in a bowl and sprinkle with sugar. Lightly mash them with a fork to release their delicious juices.

5. Drain the cooked pasta and let it cool slightly for 2-3 minutes. It should be warm, but not piping hot.

6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pasta with the yoghurt. Mix gently to ensure everything is coated.

7. Add the mashed strawberries with their juices and stir to combine evenly.

8. Taste the dish and adjust sweetness by adding more sugar or a touch of honey if needed.

9. Serve warm or at room temperature to enjoy this unique treat.