Month: August 2015

What to do with all that Basil?

Well if your garden is like mine this year you are probably starting to think about new and wonderful recipes to make with all of the tomatoes and basil that are so beautifully ripening. Because when I smell tomatoes and basil I can’t help and think of pasta, I went looking for a nice summer recipe that can highlight these lovely flavors. I didn’t have to look long before I found a dish that looked like exactly what I wanted for dinner; Summer Bolognese! Below you will find instructions on how to make this wonderful classic. … And you know that Taos Twist has the Spaghetti Fork to serve up all of your favorite noodle dishes. Visit us at www.taostwist.com to take advantage of August’s monthly special on this great serving utensil!

 

Summer Bolognese

Photo and recipe courtesy of Farideh Sadeghin

 

Ingredients:

1 lb. thin spaghetti

Kosher salt

1⁄4 cup olive oil

1 lb. ground beef (optional)

2 tsp. chile flakes, or 3 red Thai chiles, minced

2 tbsp. minced thyme

3 garlic cloves

2 tbsp. tomato paste

2 tsp. granulated sugar

Freshly ground black pepper

1⁄2 cup dry white wine

2 tbsp. red wine vinegar

1 lemon, zested and juiced

1 lb. mixed cherry tomatoes

1⁄2 cup Ligurian or kalamata olives

Torn basil leaves, for garnish

Grated parmesan cheese, to serve

 

  1. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Save ½ cup of the water when pasta is drained. Toss spaghetti with 3 Tbs. of your favorite olive oil. Keep pasta warm by putting the lid of pot on and keep on your warm stovetop until the sauce is done.
  2. Heat the olive oil that is left on medium-high in 12 inch skillet. Brown beef (if you are using meat) with chile, thyme, and garlic. Mix in the tomato paste, sugar, salt and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes. Add the wine and cook until it is almost evaporated (approximately 2 minutes. Add pasta, vinegar, lemon zest and juice and toss. Finish by adding the ½ cup pasta water, cherry tomatoes, olives and cook for 2 minutes.
  3. Put this piping hot perfection in a big serving dish. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and parmesan. Enjoy your summer and enjoy your dinner!