A step-by-step guide on how to make classic spaghetti with tomato sauce:
Ingredients:
For the Spaghetti:
- 8 ounces (about 225 grams) of dried spaghetti
- Salt
- Water
For the Tomato Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 ounces) of crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Cooking the Spaghetti:
1. Boil Water:
Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil.
2. Add Spaghetti:
Once the water is boiling, add the dried spaghetti to the pot. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Cook Al Dente:
Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it's al dente, which means it should be tender but still have a slight firmness to it. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
4. Drain:
Once cooked, use a colander to drain the spaghetti and set it aside.
Making the Tomato Sauce:
5. Heat Olive Oil:
In a separate large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
6. Saute Onions and Garlic:
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes or until they become soft and translucent.
7. Add Crushed Tomatoes:
Pour in the can of crushed tomatoes and stir well.
8. Season:
Add dried oregano, dried basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the sauce. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
9. Simmer:
Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld, and the sauce will thicken slightly.
Assembling the Dish:
10. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the cooked and drained spaghetti to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Toss the spaghetti in the sauce until it's well coated.
11. Serve:
Once the spaghetti is heated through, you can serve it on individual plates or a large platter.
12. Garnish:
Optionally, garnish with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese.
Now you have a delicious plate of classic spaghetti with tomato sauce ready to enjoy! This recipe is a basic version, but you can customize it by adding meatballs, vegetables, or other ingredients to the sauce if you like.