Ingredients and Weight:
- 250g dried pasta (such as spaghetti or penne)
- 1kg fresh tomatoes, chopped (easily available in US supermarkets)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small bunch fresh basil leaves
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- Salt and sugar to taste
- 80g freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional)
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add salt.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook until tender, then drain.
- In a separate pan, heat the olive oil and add the crushed garlic.
- Once the garlic starts to sizzle, add the chopped tomatoes and allow them to cook down for 10 minutes.
- Add basil leaves and season with salt and sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- When the tomato sauce is ready, add the cooked pasta to the pan and toss to combine.
- Serve immediately in pasta bowls and top with freshly grated parmesan cheese, if desired.
Nutritional Information: (Per serving, assuming 4 people)
Calories: Approx. 450kcal
Fat: Approx. 12g
Carbohydrates: Approx. 70g
Protein: Approx. 18g
Fiber: Approx. 4g
(Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on ingredients used and preparation method.)
Dish Characteristics:
- Fresh tomato sauce with a slight tanginess from the tomatoes.
- Herbaceous flavor from the basil leaves.
- Hearty and comforting, perfect for a cold weather meal or as a special treat.
User Comments:
- "This pasta dish was a hit with my family! The fresh tomato sauce was so tasty and the basil added a nice herby flavor." - John Doe
- "I loved the combination of fresh tomatoes and basil in this dish. It was simple to make and yet so satisfying." - Jane Smith
- "This pasta dish was a great way to use up fresh tomatoes from our garden. The parmesan cheese on top added a nice creamy texture." - Mike Johnson
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Use ripe, fresh tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Adjust the seasoning of the tomato sauce according to your taste.
- If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend the cooked tomato mixture in a blender before adding the pasta.
- This dish pairs well with a glass of white wine for a more complete meal experience.