Spaghetti Napolitana
Spaghetti Napolitana is a beloved Italian dish that combines perfectly cooked pasta with a rich, tangy tomato sauce. Whether you're looking for a quick meal or a comforting dinner, this recipe is both easy and delicious. Follow these simple steps to create a mouthwatering plate of Spaghetti Napolitana.
Preparation Time:
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
- 200g spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt (for pasta water)
- 2 medium tomatoes, finely chopped (for the Concassé sauce)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon white pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Spaghetti Boiling Process:
- Boil the Water: Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. For every 100g of spaghetti, use 1 liter of water (a 10:1 ratio). Add a tablespoon of olive oil to the water to prevent the pasta from sticking.
- Season the Water: Once the water is boiling, add 1 teaspoon of salt. This helps to flavor the pasta.
- Cook the Spaghetti: Add the spaghetti to the boiling water. Let it cook for 8-10 minutes or until it reaches an al dente texture.
- Drain and Rinse: Once the pasta is cooked, drain the water and rinse the spaghetti under normal water to remove excess starch. If desired, toss the pasta with a little olive oil to keep it from sticking.
Making the Concassé Sauce:
- Prepare the Ingredients: While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add Tomatoes: Add the finely chopped tomatoes and tomato paste to the pan. Stir to combine, then cook for 5-7 minutes until the tomatoes break down and form a sauce.
- Season the Sauce: Stir in oregano, white pepper, and salt to taste. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Bringing It All Together:
- Combine the Spaghetti and Sauce: Once the Concassé sauce is ready, add the cooked spaghetti to the pan. Toss gently to coat the pasta with the rich tomato sauce.
- Add Butter: Stir in the butter for a smooth and creamy finish. Let everything cook together for 1-2 minutes to ensure the flavors are well combined.
Serve:
Serve your Spaghetti Napolitana hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad.
Try our Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Pepperoncino.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 400-450 kcal
- Protein: 12g
- Carbs: 55g
- Fat: 15g
Tips for Perfect Spaghetti Napolitana:
- For extra richness, you can add a splash of cream to the sauce.
- Feel free to add a pinch of chili flakes for a slight kick of heat.
- If you prefer a smoother sauce, blend the tomatoes before adding them to the pan.
This Spaghetti Napolitana recipe is a perfect blend of simplicity and flavor. It's quick to make, easy to customize, and guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds.