There are always loads of recipes I'd like to try but lose them before I do. This is where I can record recipes I find interesting and keep notes on my experiments with them.

I have a system that I've adopted for working through recipes:

1 - New recipes are saved to the Experimental Mouffette and is labeled : Untested
2 - As I'm working out the changes I'd like to make (if any) it is labeled : Testing
3 - Once I think I've got the correct formula it is labeled : Test 1
4 - IF I am able to reproduce the effect a second time it is labeled : Test 2 - if I am not able to reproduce the effect, it remains Test 1
5 - The same process as step 4 is used to graduate it to Test 3
6 - Once I have been able to reproduce the effect successfully 3 times, it graduates to my main blog, La Mouffette Gourmande

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Sunday, October 24, 2021

Fresh tomato sauce on Pasta - Testing

https://cookieandkate.com/spaghetti-with-fresh-tomato-sauce/

1 - I have made this twice now, and have discovered that fresh basil is a must. It is very simple, very light, and very much full of flavor. Of course, as with all things, the quality of the ingredients makes a big difference, so use tomatoes from the garden ripened to their peak.

1 ½ pounds ripe tomatoes
2 Tbsps olive oil
1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp sugar, optional
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 very small garlic clove (or ½ medium clove), pressed or minced
8oz spaghetti or angel-hair pasta or rotini/fusilli or penne
Optional but recommended: ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan
¼ cup chopped fresh basil

  1. Core and coarsely chop two-thirds of the tomatoes. Halve the remaining tomatoes down the middle and discard the tough top part where the tomatoes met the stem, if it exists. Rub the cut sides of the tomatoes against the large holes of a box grater set in a large bowl. Leave the tomato pulp in the bowl and discard the skin.
  2. Add the chopped tomatoes, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, sugar, several twists of freshly ground black pepper and the pressed garlic to the bowl. Mix well. Let the mixture marinate while you cook the pasta.
  3. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and then cook the pasta just until al dente, according to package directions. Reserve about a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
  4. Drain the pasta, then immediately return it to the pot. Pour in all of the tomato sauce and a small splash (about ¼ cup) of the pasta cooking water. Cook over medium-low heat for about 1 to 2 minutes, tossing often (gentle now!), just long enough for the tomatoes to soften a bit and for the starchy tomato water to coat the pasta.
  5. Remove from heat and toss with (optional) Parmesan and (mandatory) basil. Serve immediately.

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