Audrey Hepburn’s Favorite Spaghetti Al Pomodoro

🍝 Audrey Hepburn’s Favorite Spaghetti Al Pomodoro 🍅

History:
Spaghetti al Pomodoro, a classic Italian pasta dish, has been beloved for generations. Its origins can be traced back to Naples, Italy, where the simple yet delicious combination of pasta and tomato sauce became a staple in Italian cuisine. The dish’s roots date back to the 19th century when the tomato was introduced to Italian cuisine, and it has been a favorite ever since.

Components:

• 12 ounces (about 340g) of spaghetti
• 28-ounce (about 800g) can of whole tomatoes or fresh ripe tomatoes
• 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup (60ml) extra-virgin olive oil
• Fresh basil leaves (about 10-12 leaves)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)

Preparation:

1. Prepare the Tomatoes: If using canned tomatoes, drain and crush them by hand. If using fresh tomatoes, blanch them in boiling water to remove the skins, then crush them.

2. Cook the Spaghetti: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Remember to reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the spaghetti.

3. Make the Sauce: In a separate pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, but be careful not to let it brown. This should take about 1-2 minutes.

4. Add the Tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Simmer the sauce over medium heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until it thickens.

5. Tear the Basil: Tear the fresh basil leaves into the sauce, allowing them to infuse their flavor. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.

6. Combine the Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked spaghetti into the tomato sauce, ensuring the pasta is well-coated. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little pasta cooking water to achieve the desired consistency.

7. Serve: Plate the spaghetti al Pomodoro on individual plates, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and optionally, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.

Time Needed:
The total preparation time for Audrey Hepburn’s Favorite Spaghetti Al Pomodoro is approximately 30-40 minutes, depending on your cooking skills and whether you’re using fresh or canned tomatoes. It’s a relatively quick and straightforward dish to make, perfect for a delicious, home-cooked Italian meal.

Enjoy your meal! 🍴🇮🇹😊

Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Audrey Hepburn’s Favorite Spaghetti Al Pomodoro:

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approximate Values):

• Calories: 350-400 calories
• Protein: 8-10 grams
• Carbohydrates: 60-70 grams
• Dietary Fiber: 3-5 grams
• Sugars: 5-7 grams
• Fat: 10-15 grams
• Saturated Fat: 1-2 grams
• Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
• Sodium: 400-500 milligrams
• Potassium: 300-400 milligrams
• Vitamin C: 15-20% of the Daily Value
• Vitamin A: 5-10% of the Daily Value
• Calcium: 2-4% of the Daily Value
• Iron: 10-15% of the Daily Value

Health Information:

• Calories: Spaghetti al Pomodoro is relatively moderate in calories, making it a suitable choice for a meal. However, portion size and additional toppings like Parmesan cheese can affect the calorie count.

• Protein: This dish contains a moderate amount of protein, mainly from the pasta. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.

• Carbohydrates: Spaghetti is a carbohydrate-rich food, providing a good source of energy. The sauce also contributes to the carbohydrate content, mostly from natural sugars in tomatoes.

• Fiber: While not extremely high in fiber, the dish does provide some due to the whole tomatoes. Fiber is essential for digestion and can help you feel fuller for longer.

• Fat: The olive oil in the sauce adds healthy monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health. The total fat content can vary based on the amount of olive oil used.

• Saturated Fat and Cholesterol: Spaghetti al Pomodoro is generally low in saturated fat and cholesterol, which is good for heart health.

• Sodium: The sodium content can vary depending on the amount of salt added. Reducing salt in the recipe can be a healthy choice, especially for those with high blood pressure.

• Vitamins and Minerals: The dish provides notable amounts of vitamin C, essential for the immune system, and some vitamin A, important for vision and skin health. The iron content is also decent and aids in oxygen transport in the body.

Keep in mind that the exact nutrition values can vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes you use. This dish, when prepared with balance and fresh ingredients, can be a relatively healthy and tasty meal as part of a balanced diet. Enjoy your Spaghetti Al Pomodoro! 🍝🍅😊