Spaghetti with Garlic and Basil

Ingredients and Weight:

• Spaghetti: 500g (1.1 pounds)
• Garlic: 3-4 cloves, chopped
• Fresh Basil: 1 cup, chopped
• Ground Beef: 500g (1.1 pounds)
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 3-4 tablespoons
• Salt and Pepper: to taste
• Water or Chicken Stock: 2 cups

Preparation Time:

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. In a large pot of boiling water, cook spaghetti until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat up the extra virgin olive oil and add the chopped garlic. Saute for a minute until fragrant.
3. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Pour the water or chicken stock into the skillet and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Add the chopped fresh basil and mix well.
6. Combine the spaghetti with the meat sauce and toss until well combined.
7. Serve hot in a large bowl or on individual plates.

Nutritional Information: (Per Serving)

• Calories: Approximately 450 calories per serving (Based on ingredients list)
• Carbohydrates: From spaghetti
• Protein: From ground beef and spaghetti
• Fat: From olive oil and meat
• Fiber: From basil and spaghetti

Dish Characteristics:

• Classic American flavor, combining spaghetti with a rich meat sauce made from garlic and basil.
• The dish has a strong garlic flavor which is balanced by the freshness of the basil.
• The dish is hearty and filling, perfect for colder weather or as a main course for a meal.

User Comments:

1. "This dish was delicious! The combination of garlic and basil was perfect." - John Doe, New York, USA
2. "The spaghetti was cooked to perfection, not too soft and not too hard." - Jane Smith, California, USA
3. "I added some chili flakes for a kick of heat, it went really well with the dish." - Michael Johnson, Texas, USA

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Use fresh basil for the best flavor. If not available, dried basil can be used as a substitute but the flavor may not be as strong.
• Adjust the seasoning according to taste, adding more salt or pepper if needed.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of water or chicken stock used in the recipe.