Spaghetti with tomato sauce

Spaghetti with tomato sauce – a classic recipe, full of flavor and history

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 2

Who doesn't love spaghetti with tomato sauce? This simple and delicious dish is a perfect choice for a quick dinner, as well as a wonderful way to bring a vibrant and aromatic plate to the table. Today's recipe, "spaghetti al pomodoro," is a true emblem of the cuisine, with deep roots in culinary tradition. It is a versatile recipe that can be adapted to individual tastes, and its secret lies in the simplicity of the ingredients and the preparation method.

Ingredients:
- 1 can of 400 g peeled tomatoes (preferably canned for an intense flavor)
- 1 medium onion
- 1 clove of garlic
- 1-2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- Dried oregano (to taste)
- Fresh or dried basil (to taste)
- Salt (to taste)
- 200 g spaghetti
- Grated Parmesan (for serving)

Preparing the tomato sauce

1. Start by finely chopping the onion and garlic. These are the base of flavors in your sauce, so don't neglect them. The onion adds sweetness, while the garlic adds a spicy note.

2. In a deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and starts to brown slightly. Here, you can adjust the heat intensity to avoid burning the garlic, as it will change its flavor.

3. Once the onion is ready, add the peeled tomatoes. If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can mash them with a fork or use an immersion blender. Add a glass of water (about 200 ml) and mix well.

4. Let the sauce simmer on low heat, covered, for 20-25 minutes. During this time, the flavors will concentrate, and the sauce will thicken. You can add oregano and basil during the simmering to customize the sauce to your taste.

5. Finally, taste the sauce and adjust with salt. Here, you can experiment with the amount of herbs to achieve a flavor that delights you.

Cooking the spaghetti

6. In a large pot, add water and a little salt. Wait for it to reach boiling point. It is important to use a generous amount of water so that the spaghetti does not stick together.

7. When the water is boiling, add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions, but for 2 minutes less than the indicated time. This trick will help you achieve an al dente texture, perfect for absorbing the sauce.

8. Two minutes before removing the spaghetti from the heat, remember to reserve a ladle of the boiling water. This will help create a more fluid and cohesive sauce.

Integrating the spaghetti with the sauce

9. When the spaghetti is ready, drain it but do not rinse. Add it directly to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Gently toss to coat the pasta with the flavorful sauce. Add the reserved ladle of water, continuing to mix for 1-2 minutes. This step will help the sauce cling perfectly to the spaghetti.

Serving

10. Finally, sprinkle grated Parmesan on top of the hot spaghetti. You can also add a few fresh basil leaves for an extra touch of freshness and flavor.

Serving suggestion: for an extra flavor, serve the spaghetti with a simple green salad and a glass of white wine. This will add a touch of elegance to your meal.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, but make sure to peel and mash them well. Canned tomatoes are a convenient choice and often more concentrated in flavor.

2. How can I make the sauce spicier?
If you like spicy dishes, you can add chili flakes or a little chopped fresh chili to the sauce.

3. What is the best way to store the tomato sauce?
The tomato sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen in smaller portions for later use.

Nutritional benefits:
This spaghetti with tomato sauce recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, and garlic has antibacterial properties. Additionally, whole wheat pasta can be a good source of fiber.

Calories: A serving of spaghetti with tomato sauce has approximately 400-500 calories, depending on the amount of Parmesan and oil used.

Preparation techniques and possible variations:
- You can add vegetables such as zucchini or red peppers to the sauce to enrich its flavor and texture.
- For a vegan option, you can omit the Parmesan and replace it with nutritional yeast, which provides a similar taste.

Associated recipes: This spaghetti with tomato sauce pairs wonderfully with meat or vegetable meatballs, and if you want a complete meal, you can also serve a mushroom risotto alongside.

In conclusion, the spaghetti with tomato sauce recipe is a perfect example of comfort food, easy to prepare and so versatile. Whether you enjoy it alone or with loved ones, each bite will bring you joy and satisfaction. Don't hesitate to customize the recipe to suit your tastes! Enjoy your meal!