Ingredients
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to success. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 12 ounces of pasta (spaghetti or your favorite kind)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 ounces) of crushed tomatoes
- 2 1/2 cups of vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
If you don’t have vegetable broth, chicken broth works well too. For a vegan twist, skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative. Mama Lou always taught us that a good cook is a flexible one, ready to adapt to whatever the kitchen offers.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the cooking process, where each step builds upon the last to create a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts.
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, dried oregano, and basil to the pot. Stir to combine, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add the pasta to the pot, ensuring it’s submerged in the liquid. Cover and let it cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened, season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
- Remove the pot from heat and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the pasta.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. This final touch adds a burst of color and freshness that Mama Lou would approve of.
Cooking this dish reminds me of the countless times Ouma and I would hover over a pot, eagerly awaiting the moment we could taste our creation. It’s a simple joy that never fades.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International