Simple Tomato Basil Pasta

Simple is sometimes needed in this over complicated world. This tomato basil pasta is so unpretentious and humbling that you cannot help but feel at ease while eating it. Yes, the joy one finds when you eat something that is uncomplicated but overwhelming delicious. Okay, lets move and talk about the good stuff... how to make this pasta dish!

Ingredients: (for 2) 
6 or 7 roma tomatoes
fresh italian basil - dried would not work for this! :)
1/4 cup of good quality olive oil
6 cloves of garlic
1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (add more/less to taste)
1 tablespoon of butter

Optional:
Fresh parmesan cheese

First you start by blanching the tomatoes in boiling hot water. Bring a big pot of water to a boil, once the water is boiling add in the tomatoes (whole). Blanch for 3-4 minutes - you just want to cook the outside layer to make it easier to peel the tomatoes.

In the mean time mince your garlic and wash your basil.

In a separate small sauce pan heat the olive oil on low heat. Add the minced garlic and the whole basil leaves. You will be infusing the oil with the garlic and basil. Yum! 

Remove the tomatoes from the pot and peel off the skin. Squeeze the juice out of the tomatoes - keep in separate bowl (see below). You only want the meat of the tomatoes for the sauce. 

                       Note: Remember to cook your spaghetti! Follow instructions on the package.

Now you'll start cooking the tomato sauce on low heat for 20 minutes - baby this process! I use a potato smasher to break down the meat of the tomatoes. Once the infused olive oil is ready (the basil leaves are crispy), strain and add the olive oil directly into the tomato sauce. Add the butter and salt and pepper to taste. Add more of the tomato juice (the one you saved in a bowl) if you feel the tomato sauce is too think. Mix in the pasta and enjoy! I forgot to take a final picture with my camera but I did take a iphone picture! Im sorry about that! 

Enjoy!

XX

Kathy