Homemade noodles with tomato sauce

Captivating homemade noodle recipe with tomato sauce

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Welcome to our kitchen! Today we will prepare a classic, simple, and delicious recipe: homemade noodles with tomato sauce. This dish is not just a hearty meal, but also a journey back in time, when family meals were filled with flavors and stories. Homemade noodles are a true treasure in culinary art, and the tomato sauce enriched with basil and garlic gives them an unmistakable taste.

Necessary ingredients:

- 300 g homemade noodles
- 1 large onion
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 50 g raw and smoked ham (optional, but recommended for extra flavor)
- 1 can of diced tomatoes in juice (about 400 g)
- 1 teaspoon sweet pepper paste
- Salt
- Pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried basil (or fresh, if you have it on hand)
- Olive oil (or another vegetable oil)
- 50 g grated cheese (for serving)

Preparing homemade noodles

If you have the time and desire, I encourage you to make homemade noodles traditionally. They are better than store-bought, and the preparation process can be a real pleasure. Mix 300 g of flour with 3 eggs and a pinch of salt, then knead the dough until it becomes elastic. Roll it out into a thin sheet, then cut it into thin strips. Let them dry a little before using.

If you want a quicker option, you can use store-bought homemade noodles. Make sure they are of good quality to achieve a delicious result.

Boiling the noodles

1. In a large pot, bring 3 liters of water to a boil. Add a tablespoon of salt to flavor the noodles.
2. When the water is boiling, add the noodles and cook according to the package instructions or, if they are homemade noodles, for about 4-5 minutes until al dente.
3. Once ready, drain them and quickly rinse them under cold running water to stop the cooking. This step also helps to prevent sticking.

Preparing the tomato sauce

1. In a large skillet, heat 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Chop the onion finely and sauté it in the oil for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent.
3. Add the chopped garlic cloves and diced ham (if using). Cook together for 3-4 minutes until the garlic turns golden and the aroma is released.
4. Add the canned diced tomatoes and the sweet pepper paste. Mix well.
5. Let the sauce simmer over low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This time will allow the flavors to blend and the sauce to thicken.
6. Finally, season the sauce with salt, pepper to taste, and the dried basil.

Combining the noodles with the sauce

1. After the sauce is ready, add the drained noodles directly to the skillet. Mix well to coat them evenly with the tomato sauce.
2. Let them heat together for 2-3 minutes so that the noodles absorb some of the sauce's flavor.

Serving

Serve the homemade noodles with tomato sauce in a deep bowl. Sprinkle grated cheese on top and, if desired, a fresh basil leaf for a delicious look and additional aroma. This dish pairs perfectly with a simple green salad or a slice of toasted bread.

Tips and variations

- If you want a spicier sauce, add some chopped chili pepper or chili flakes.
- You can incorporate vegetables, such as zucchini or eggplant, diced and sautéed together with the onion.
- A delicious vegetarian option would be to replace the ham with sautéed mushrooms.

Calories and nutritional benefits

This recipe for homemade noodles with tomato sauce contains approximately 400-450 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients used. It is a balanced meal, rich in carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, thanks to the tomatoes and onions.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use whole wheat noodles?
- Absolutely! Whole wheat noodles add extra fiber and a distinct taste.

2. How can I store leftover noodles?
- Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Reheat them in a skillet with a little oil or water.

3. Can I freeze the tomato sauce?
- Yes, the tomato sauce can be frozen. Make sure to let it cool completely before placing it in freezing containers.

4. What other recipes can homemade noodles with tomato sauce be combined with?
- They go wonderfully with meatballs, grilled fish, or a arugula salad with parmesan.

I hope I have inspired you to prepare this delicious recipe for homemade noodles with tomato sauce. It is an excellent option for a quick dinner, but also for moments when you want to impress family or friends with a tasty and comforting dish. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 300g homemade noodles, 1 large onion, 3 cloves of garlic, 50g raw and smoked ham (optional), 1 can of diced tomatoes in juice, 1 teaspoon of sweet pepper paste, salt, pepper, basil, oil, 50g cheese.