Spaghetti with tomato sauce and basil

Spaghetti with Tomato and Basil Sauce Recipe

When summer makes its presence felt with its warm and sunny days, cooking becomes a real challenge. Like many of you, I prefer to avoid cooking in the kitchen during excessive heat. So, I thought of a simple, quick, and delicious recipe that combines the fresh taste of seasonal ingredients with the unmistakable aroma of basil. These spaghetti with tomato and basil sauce are not only tasty but also healthy, perfect for a family meal or a dinner with friends.

Let's begin our culinary adventure!

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients
- 500 g whole wheat spaghetti
- 700 ml tomato puree or fresh tomatoes in juice
- 1/2 bunch of fresh basil
- 4 garlic cloves
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- A pinch of sugar
- Salt and ground pepper to taste
- Optional: grated parmesan for serving

Recipe History
Spaghetti with tomato and basil sauce has become a symbol of simple and delicious cooking. This recipe is based on the classic combination of tomatoes and aromatic herbs, a perfect duo that enriches every meal. Tomatoes, rich in antioxidants, and basil, with its fresh aroma, have inspired generations of chefs around the world, being a popular choice especially in the warm season.

Preparing the Spaghetti
1. Boil the water: Start by bringing 5 liters of water to a boil in a large pot. Make sure the water is sufficient to allow the spaghetti to move freely, so they do not stick together.
2. Add salt: When the water starts to boil, add a tablespoon of salt. This will flavor the pasta and give it a better taste.
3. Cook the spaghetti: Add the spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions, usually between 8-12 minutes, until al dente. Be sure to stir them occasionally to prevent sticking.

Preparing the Tomato Sauce
1. Prepare the garlic: Meanwhile, peel and finely chop the 4 garlic cloves. The garlic will add a note of intensity to the sauce, but be careful not to burn it, as it becomes bitter.
2. Sauté the garlic: In a large skillet, add the 4 tablespoons of olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until golden. Be careful not to exceed this time to avoid bitterness.
3. Add the tomatoes: Once the garlic is ready, add the tomato puree or diced fresh tomatoes. You can use canned tomatoes, but fresh ones have a more vibrant taste, perfect for a summer meal.
4. Season: Add a pinch of sugar (which will reduce the acidity of the tomatoes), salt, and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer over low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Finishing the Dish
1. Add the basil: In the last 2-3 minutes of cooking the sauce, wash and finely chop the fresh basil. Add it to the sauce and mix well. This will release its wonderful aroma, adding freshness to the dish.
2. Drain the spaghetti: Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain it using a colander, but do not rinse it with water, as you want to keep the starch that will help the sauce stick to the pasta.
3. Mix the spaghetti with the sauce: Return the spaghetti to the pot, add the tomato and basil sauce, and mix well to ensure that every strand of spaghetti is well coated with sauce.

Serving
Serve the spaghetti hot, sprinkled with grated parmesan on top for added flavor. This recipe can be enjoyed alongside a crisp green salad or a fresh baguette to complete the meal.

Practical Tip
To add a touch of originality, you can experiment with different types of pasta, such as penne or fusilli. You can also add Kalamata olives or roasted red peppers to enhance the flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use canned tomatoes instead of puree?
Yes, canned tomatoes are an excellent alternative and can add an interesting texture to your sauce.

2. How can I make the sauce spicier?
You can add chili flakes or chili sauce for a spicier taste.

3. Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, the recipe is completely vegan, but make sure not to add parmesan if you are following a strict vegan diet.

Nutritional Information
This spaghetti with tomato and basil sauce recipe contains approximately 400 calories per serving, providing complex carbohydrates from whole wheat pasta and antioxidants from tomatoes. Basil adds not only flavor but also anti-inflammatory benefits.

Conclusion
Spaghetti with tomato and basil sauce is an excellent choice for a light, quick, and healthy summer meal. It is a recipe that can be customized according to your preferences, bringing a touch of creativity to the kitchen. So, embrace the freshness of summer and enjoy every bite! Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: 500 g whole wheat spaghetti, 700 ml tomato passata or canned tomatoes, 1/2 bunch of fresh basil, 4 cloves of garlic, 4 tablespoons of olive oil, a pinch of sugar, salt, ground pepper

 Tags:  spaghetti with tomato sauce pasta with tomato sauce candle