Ingredients
Before diving into the cooking process, let’s gather our ingredients:
- 1 pound of spaghetti
- 4-6 large ripe tomatoes
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- A handful of fresh basil leaves
- A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparing the Tomato Sauce
The foundation of spaghetti al pomodoro is the flavorful tomato sauce that coats the pasta seamlessly. Follow these steps to create a delicious sauce:
- Start by blanching the tomatoes. Score a small “X” on the bottom of each tomato and place them in boiling water for about 30 seconds or until the skin begins to peel away.
- Remove the tomatoes from the boiling water and immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
- Once cooled, peel off the skin and discard. Cut the tomatoes in half, remove the seeds, and chop them into small cubes.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, around 1-2 minutes.
- Add the chopped tomatoes to the skillet, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Simmer the sauce on low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Tear the fresh basil leaves into small pieces and add them to the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Your flavorful tomato sauce is now ready to be combined with the pasta!
Cooking the Spaghetti
Now that the sauce is prepared, let’s move on to cooking the spaghetti:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving a small cup of the cooking water.
- Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the tomato sauce and toss gently to coat. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved cooking water to loosen it.
Serving and Garnishing
Presentation plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall enjoyment of a dish. When it comes to serving spaghetti al pomodoro, keep these tips in mind:
- Divide the pasta among plates or bowls, twisting it gently with a fork or tongs to create a visually appealing nest of pasta.
- Top each portion with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a few fresh basil leaves as a garnish.
- For an extra touch of authenticity, drizzle a tiny amount of olive oil over the top.
Voila! Your homemade spaghetti al pomodoro is now complete. Serve it immediately and savor each bite of this simple yet exquisite dish.
Now that you have the know-how to master the art of making spaghetti al pomodoro, it’s time to put your culinary skills to the test. Gather the ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to indulge in a plate of pasta perfection. Buon appetito!