Ultimate Spaghetti Recipe: Simple, Delicious, and Perfect Every Time

The Quest for the Perfect Spaghetti

Are you on a journey to cook the most delicious and comforting spaghetti meal? Perhaps you've tried various recipes, but none have given you that “this is it!” moment. Well, you're in for a treat because today, we'll explore the Ultimate Spaghetti Recipe that promises simplicity, flavor, and perfection every time.

Ingredients for the Ultimate Spaghetti

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to create this delectable dish:

• Pasta: 400 grams of spaghetti
• Ground Beef: 300 grams (optional for a vegetarian version)
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
• Garlic: 3 cloves, finely chopped
• Onion: 1 large, finely chopped
• Canned Tomatoes: 800 grams (2 cans) of whole peeled tomatoes
• Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons
• Red Wine: 1/2 cup (optional but highly recommended)
• Basil: A handful of fresh basil leaves
• Oregano: 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• Red Pepper Flakes: Pinch, for some heat (optional)
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated, for serving

Cooking the Pasta

To begin, let’s get the pasta ready:

1. Fill a large pot with water, add a generous amount of salt (it should taste like the sea), and bring it to a vigorous boil.
2. Add the spaghetti to the boiling water, ensuring that the pasta has enough room to move freely. Stir immediately to prevent sticking.
3. Cook the pasta al dente according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, but taste to be sure.
4. Once cooked, reserve about a cup of pasta water and then drain the rest.

🍝 Note: Remember to reserve some pasta water as it can be used to adjust the sauce’s consistency.

Preparing the Sauce

Now, let’s move on to creating the heart of the meal - the sauce:

1. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped garlic and onions, sautéing until they are translucent and fragrant.
2. If using, add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink.
3. Add the tomato paste to the beef and cook for a minute to intensify the flavor.
4. Pour in the red wine (if using) to deglaze the pan, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom.
5. Now, add the canned tomatoes. If whole, crush them with your hands or a wooden spoon directly in the pan. Stir to combine.
6. Season with salt, black pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them.
7. Let the sauce simmer gently for at least 30 minutes. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will become. If the sauce gets too thick, add some reserved pasta water.

Once the sauce has simmered, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add the fresh basil leaves, allowing them to wilt into the sauce.

Assembling the Dish

With your pasta and sauce ready, it’s time to bring everything together:

1. Add the cooked spaghetti to the pan with the sauce. If you like your pasta extra saucy, add a splash of reserved pasta water to help the sauce coat the pasta.
2. Use tongs to toss everything together, ensuring that each strand of spaghetti is coated with the rich tomato sauce.
3. Serve immediately, garnished with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

This spaghetti recipe is about more than just following steps; it's about enjoying the process, the aromas, and the anticipation of a homemade meal. Whether you're cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this Ultimate Spaghetti will impress with its simplicity and depth of flavor.

To wrap up, this recipe showcases that even simple ingredients can yield extraordinary results when handled with care. It's perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, and with a few tweaks, can cater to various dietary preferences. So, set the table, pour yourself a glass of wine, and immerse yourself in the joy of cooking and eating this timeless classic.