My girlfriend just texted me for recipes we made on a vacation together earlier this year. Her husband wants her to make them for Father's Day–and that, I believe might be my favorite compliment...ever!
Before I get to it, you have to know she's a great cook. Which is why I'm delighted something I've introduced will make it's way for an encore onto their table. I'll be sharing her fall-off-the-bone ribs recipe in time for your 4th of July cook out, but for today–a simple marinara that's perfect in any season. So easy to make.
This serving is for 2 people.
Start with some garlic cloves. Mince them into a sauce pan that's got olive oil drizzled in it. Keep the pan at about medium heat. Let them start softening up in the heated pan with the oil. stir around occasionally.
Fill a pot of water that look about 3 times the size you think you need to cook your pasta. In other words, give it plenty of room to swim around. Toss in some sea salt.
Grab your onion carrot and basil while your garlic is cooking and your water is heating.
Chop up a sweet yellow onion. for 2 people I used about 1/3 of the onion. Finely chop up about half a carrot and about 6-8 fresh basil leaves. Sautee the carrots, onion, and garlic until all are soft. Add the basil in & stir on low for about 2 minutes
I use organic Tomato Sauce from Central Market, for the flavor, but also for the glass jar. Pomi is an Italian product I can usualy find in stores and it's great, too. Pour in about 2 cups worth.
A tiny bit of honey is a great way to takt the acidic edge off the tomatos.
Some tomato sauce is sweet enough, so just use a bit, and taste, until it seems right.
By now my water looks like this.
Something my italian friends insist on:
no pasta in the water until the boil looks like this...
Choose an Italian product.
For summer I like a light anger hair pasta.
One little pasta nest is great if you're having meat afterwards.
If it's the meal toss in another one.
Read your pasta box on cooking time and take off a minute.
The pasta should be cooked, but not bloated.
Drain your pasta & toss it into your simmering sauce. It's ready to serve up. Sprinkle on some parmesean & enjoy.
Oh–there's one more rule you must follow, in true Italian spirit:
Eat it while it's hot!
ENJOY!
Love ya girlfriend! Can't wait to celebrate his day with your yum yum pasta! Thanks for helping me put the meal on the table!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to hear how it turned out!! With all you've got going on, I should have volunteered to come over and cook it!
ReplyDeleteThis looks so yummy! I will have to try this tonight! Thank you for sharing!
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