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Instructions
1. Prepare the Spaghetti Sauce:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Add the tomato paste, stirring to combine with the onions and garlic. Let it cook for about 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes (or whole tomatoes, if you prefer to crush them yourself) and add the oregano, basil, and sugar (if using). Stir well.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken slightly and become rich in flavor.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. If the sauce tastes too acidic, you can add a pinch more sugar. If you prefer a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to blend it to your desired consistency.
2. Cook the Pasta:
- While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. This starchy water can be added to the sauce if you want to thin it out or help the sauce adhere better to the pasta.
3. Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat the noodles evenly.
- If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Let the pasta and sauce simmer together for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4. Serve:
- Serve the spaghetti hot, garnished with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese.
- Optionally, top with some fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Garlic Bread: Serve with a side of warm, crispy garlic bread to soak up the sauce.
- Salad: A simple green salad with olive oil, vinegar, and a few fresh herbs pairs beautifully with this hearty dish.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers make a great side dish and complement the flavors of the spaghetti.
Tips for Success
🌟 Use Quality Tomatoes: The tomatoes are the star of this dish, so choose a good-quality brand of canned tomatoes or use fresh tomatoes when they’re in season. San Marzano tomatoes are often considered the best for Italian dishes.
🌟 Don’t Overcook the Pasta: To get that perfect bite, make sure your pasta is cooked al dente. This means the pasta should still have a slight firmness when bitten into.
🌟 Simmer the Sauce: Don’t rush the sauce. Let it simmer slowly to bring out all the rich, savory flavors. The longer it cooks, the more intense the flavor will be.
🌟 Customize It: You can easily turn this old-school spaghetti into a heartier dish by adding cooked meatballs, sausage, or ground beef to the sauce. If you want a vegetarian version, try adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or olives to the sauce.
Why Old-School Spaghetti Is a Timeless Favorite
Old-school spaghetti represents the essence of Italian home cooking: fresh ingredients, simple preparation, and delicious results. The beauty of this dish is that it doesn’t need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques to be amazing. With just a few key components—good pasta, ripe tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil—you can create a meal that’s both satisfying and comforting.
This dish is perfect for family dinners, gatherings with friends, or just a cozy weeknight meal. It’s versatile enough to be dressed up or down, and no matter how you serve it, it always feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Final Thoughts
Old-School Spaghetti is the kind of meal that brings people together—whether it’s a weeknight dinner with the family or a celebratory gathering with loved ones. It’s a dish that’s been passed down through generations, and for good reason. With its rich tomato sauce, savory garlic, and simple yet hearty pasta, it’s a meal that never fails to satisfy.
So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and make some classic Old-School Spaghetti today. You’ll be transported straight to the heart of Italy with every delicious bite!
Mangia! 🍝🍅🧄
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