Ingredients and Weight:
- Spaghetti: 500g (1.1 lb)
- Red bell peppers: 2 (about 100g each)
- Yellow bell peppers: 1 (about 50g)
- Fresh tomatoes: 1kg (about 2.2 lb) or canned tomatoes (1 can)
- Garlic: 4 cloves
- Extra virgin olive oil: 6 tbsp
- Dried oregano: 1 tbsp
- Red chili flakes: 1-2 tsp (or more for a spicier taste)
- Salt: to taste
- Black pepper: to taste
Preparation Time:
- Preparation: 20 minutes
- Cooking: 40-50 minutes
Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)
Preparation Method Steps:
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil for cooking spaghetti.
- Meanwhile, dice the bell peppers and tomatoes.
- In a separate pan, heat the olive oil on medium-high heat. Add the garlic and let it cook for a minute or two until fragrant.
- Add the diced bell peppers and cook for about 5 minutes, until they start to become tender.
- Add the tomatoes and let them cook for another 10-15 minutes, until the sauce starts to thicken.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and red chili flakes, according to your preference.
- Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain it and add it to the sauce, mixing well.
- Serve hot with a sprinkle of oregano on top.
Nutritional Information: (per serving)
- Calories: Approx. 500-600 calories (depending on the additional ingredients added)
- Carbohydrates: 70-80g
- Fat: 15-20g (most of it from olive oil)
- Protein: 15-20g
Dish Characteristics:
- Spicy and flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with spaghetti.
- The use of bell peppers adds a crunchy texture and a fresh flavor note.
- The chili flakes provide a nice kick of heat that Americans often enjoy in their pasta dishes.
User Comments:
- "This sauce was so flavorful! The combination of peppers and tomatoes was excellent." - John Doe, New York
- "I added some ground beef to this sauce and it was even better. Great recipe!" - Jane Smith, California
- "The chili flakes gave it a nice kick, but I added more for a spicier version next time." - Michael Johnson, Texas
Special Precautions and Tips:
- If you are not comfortable with the amount of heat provided by red chili flakes, you can reduce or omit them to adjust the heat level.
- If using canned tomatoes, make sure to drain excess liquid before adding them to the sauce to achieve a thicker consistency.