Pasta with red sauce by copilou

Pasta with Red Sauce: A Simple and Delicious Recipe

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Servings: 4

Discover the joy of a simple yet flavorful meal with this pasta with red sauce recipe. It is a quick recipe, perfect for those days when time is limited but the desire for a tasty dish is high. The combination of vegetables, cured meats, and a rich tomato sauce will turn every meal into a memorable experience.

Ingredients

- 400 g pasta (spaghetti, penne, or any preferred type)
- 2 medium onions, peeled and finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, peeled and diced
- 200 g pressed ham, diced
- 50 g green or black olives, pitted and finely chopped
- 50 g extra virgin olive oil
- 100 g homemade ketchup (or tomato purée)
- 150 g mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
- Fresh or dried basil, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Salt, to taste
- Herbes de Provence, for extra flavor

Recipe History

Pasta with red sauce is a classic dish found in various forms across many culinary cultures. This simple recipe reflects the tradition of using accessible ingredients to create a tasty and hearty meal. Over the years, different ingredients have been added or substituted based on season and availability, but the essence remains the same: a comforting meal full of flavor.

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Boiling the Pasta: In a large pot, add water and a pinch of salt. Place it on high heat and wait until the water starts to boil. Add the pasta and let it cook according to the package instructions, usually between 10 and 15 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

2. Preparing the Vegetables: While the pasta is boiling, peel and chop the onions. Dice the green bell pepper and slice the mushrooms. If using fresh mushrooms, you can blanch them quickly in boiling water to soften them.

3. Cooking the Sauce: In a large skillet, add the olive oil and sauté the onion over medium heat until golden and soft. This step is essential for bringing the sauce's flavors to life. Add the diced bell pepper and continue to sauté for another 2-3 minutes.

4. Adding the Ingredients: Add the ham and mushrooms to the skillet, mixing well. Let them cook together for about 5 minutes, until all the ingredients are well integrated and aromatic.

5. Creating the Sauce: Add the ketchup (or tomato purée) to the skillet, stirring to combine all the ingredients. Season with basil, pepper, salt, and herbes de Provence. These seasonings will add depth of flavor to the sauce. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for another 5 minutes.

6. Finishing the Dish: When the pasta is ready, drain it and add it to the skillet over the prepared sauce. Mix well to allow the pasta to absorb the sauce's flavors. Finally, add the chopped olives and let it cook for a few more minutes to heat through.

7. Serving: Serve the pasta hot, sprinkled with fresh basil and, if desired, a shower of grated Parmesan on top. You can accompany this dish with a simple green salad or a crusty baguette.

Useful Tips

- Choosing Pasta: Choose the type of pasta you prefer. Whether spaghetti, penne, or fusilli, each will add a different note, but all will be delicious.
- Vegetarian Option: You can replace the ham with tofu or additional vegetables like zucchini or eggplant for a vegetarian version.
- Storing the Sauce: If you have leftover sauce, you can keep it in the refrigerator for 2-3 days or freeze it for later use.
- Recommended Drinks: This pasta pairs wonderfully with a glass of dry white wine or fresh tomato juice.

Nutritional Information

- Calories per serving: approximately 550-600 kcal
- Nutritional benefits: This dish is rich in fiber from the pasta and vegetables, protein from the ham and mushrooms, as well as essential vitamins and minerals. Olive oil brings healthy fats beneficial for the heart.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use whole grain pasta? Yes, whole grain pasta is an excellent choice, offering more fiber and nutrients.
2. What can I do if I don't have ketchup? You can use tomato purée or chopped fresh tomatoes, but you may need to add a little sugar to balance the acidity.
3. How can I adapt the recipe for kids? You can reduce the spices and add melted cheese to make the dish more appealing.

With this pasta with red sauce recipe, you have the chance to enjoy a comforting meal full of flavor and color. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 2 medium onions, 1 green bell pepper, 200g pressed ham, 50g olives, 50g olive oil, 100g homemade ketchup (broth), 150g mushrooms, basil, pepper, salt, herbs de Provence, 400g pasta