🍝 Angel Hair With Tomatoes, Basil & Garlic 🍅🌿
Angel Hair with Tomatoes, Basil, and Garlic is a delicious and classic Italian pasta dish that combines simple yet flavorful ingredients. It’s a beloved recipe for pasta enthusiasts and lovers of Mediterranean cuisine. Let’s dive into the details:
History:
This dish is a part of the Italian culinary tradition, known for its use of fresh and high-quality ingredients. Italian cuisine often relies on the flavors of herbs, tomatoes, and garlic to create memorable dishes, and this recipe is no exception. The history of this specific dish isn’t well-documented, but it’s a variation of pasta recipes that have been enjoyed for generations in Italy.
Components:
- Angel Hair Pasta: Also known as “capellini,” it is a very thin pasta variety, similar to spaghetti but finer.
- Tomatoes: Fresh, ripe tomatoes are typically used. You can also use cherry tomatoes for added sweetness.
- Basil: Fresh basil leaves are essential for their aromatic and fresh flavor.
- Garlic: Adds a rich, savory note to the dish when minced or sliced.
- Olive Oil: Quality extra-virgin olive oil is used for sautéing the garlic and coating the pasta.
- Salt and Pepper: Seasoning to taste.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a touch of heat.
Steps to Prepare:
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Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the angel hair pasta and cook until it’s al dente, usually about 3-5 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
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Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat a generous amount of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced or sliced garlic and cook until it becomes fragrant but not browned.
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Tomato Addition: Add the fresh tomatoes to the skillet. Cook them for a few minutes until they start to soften and release their juices. You can crush them gently with a fork to create a chunky sauce.
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Seasoning: Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and optionally, red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Stir to combine.
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Fresh Basil: Tear or chop fresh basil leaves and add them to the sauce. Basil should be added towards the end to preserve its fresh flavor.
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Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked angel hair pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated and infused with the flavors of the sauce.
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Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with additional fresh basil leaves. You can also drizzle a bit more olive oil over the top for added richness.
Preparation Time:
The preparation time for this dish can vary but generally takes around 20-25 minutes from start to finish. It’s a relatively quick and easy recipe, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Enjoy your Angel Hair With Tomatoes, Basil & Garlic! 🍽️🇮🇹🍅🌿
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Angel Hair With Tomatoes, Basil & Garlic:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate Values per Serving):
- Calories: 350-400 calories
- Protein: 8-10 grams
- Carbohydrates: 60-70 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 3-4 grams
- Sugars: 4-6 grams
- Total Fat: 8-10 grams
- Saturated Fat: 1-2 grams
- Cholesterol: 0-5 milligrams
- Sodium: 300-400 milligrams
- Vitamin C: 15-20% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin A: 10-15% of the DV
- Calcium: 2-4% of the DV
- Iron: 10-15% of the DV
Health Information:
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Low in Saturated Fat: This dish is generally low in saturated fat, which is good for heart health.
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Good Source of Carbohydrates: Angel hair pasta provides a quick source of energy due to its carbohydrates content.
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Fiber: The dietary fiber content, though not exceptionally high, aids in digestion and may help you feel full.
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Vitamins and Minerals: The dish contains notable amounts of vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron, contributing to your daily nutrient intake.
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Low Cholesterol: If prepared without heavy cheese or excessive oil, this dish is typically low in cholesterol, which is beneficial for heart health.
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Vegetarian-Friendly: It’s a vegetarian dish, making it suitable for vegetarians and those looking for meatless options.
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Moderate Sodium: Be mindful of the sodium content, especially if you have dietary restrictions or need to watch your salt intake. You can reduce salt by using less in the recipe.
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Fresh Ingredients: The use of fresh tomatoes and basil adds essential vitamins and antioxidants to the dish.
Remember that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and portion size you use, so it’s always a good idea to check labels or calculate nutrition facts for your exact preparation if you have specific dietary requirements or restrictions. Enjoy your meal in moderation as part of a balanced diet! 🍽️🌿🍅
