Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large skillet
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Add the can of crushed tomatoes, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Add chopped basil to the sauce and stir to combine.
6. Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce and toss to coat.
7. Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium heat for cooking the sauce
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 500
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 80g
- Protein: 15g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fiber: 6g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Crushed tomatoes can be substituted with diced tomatoes or tomato sauce.
- Fresh basil can be substituted with dried basil.
Variations:
- Add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the sauce for a meaty version.
- Add sliced mushrooms or diced bell peppers to the sauce for a veggie version.
- Use whole wheat spaghetti for a healthier option.
Tips and tricks:
- Don't overcook the spaghetti, as it will continue to cook in the sauce.
- Use a good quality olive oil for the best flavor.
- Add a pinch of sugar to the sauce if it tastes too acidic.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover spaghetti and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat spaghetti and sauce in a skillet over low heat until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve spaghetti in a large bowl with grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Garnishes:
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley.
Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad and garlic bread.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Caprese salad
- Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or chicken broth to thin it out.
- If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the spaghetti to the recommended time to avoid any foodborne illnesses.
Food history:
- Spaghetti with tomato and basil sauce is a classic Italian dish that originated in Naples.
Flavor profiles:
- The sauce is tangy and slightly sweet from the tomatoes, with a hint of spice from the red pepper flakes. The fresh basil adds a bright, herbaceous flavor.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve spaghetti with tomato and basil sauce as a main course for dinner.
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Region: Italian