Angel Hair with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil

Introduction

History

The origins of Angel Hair with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil can be traced back to the Mediterranean region, where tomatoes, basil, and olive oil are staple ingredients. This dish is a testament to the Italian principle of "cucina povera," which means "poor kitchen" and refers to the art of creating great food with simple, available ingredients. Over the years, it has become a beloved recipe in households worldwide, celebrated for its simplicity, elegance, and vibrant flavors.

Ingredients

How to prepare

Variations

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To elevate this dish, use the best quality extra virgin olive oil you can find, as its flavor is central to the recipe. When cooking the garlic, ensure it's lightly golden but not burnt, to infuse the oil without adding bitterness. For the cherry tomatoes, a mix of colors can add visual appeal. Lastly, tearing the basil by hand rather than chopping it helps preserve its aroma and prevents bruising.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this pasta hot, garnished with extra basil leaves and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for an added touch of luxury. A side of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.

Cooking Techniques

The key technique in this recipe is the sautéing of garlic and cherry tomatoes, which should be done over medium heat to avoid burning the garlic while allowing the tomatoes to release their juices and create a sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

If angel hair pasta is not available, spaghetti or linguine can be used as alternatives. Fresh cherry tomatoes are preferred, but in a pinch, canned cherry tomatoes can work. Basil can be substituted with spinach for a different but equally delicious flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

While best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce in advance and refrigerate it for up to two days. Reheat gently before tossing with freshly cooked pasta.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the pasta in a large, shallow bowl to showcase the vibrant colors of the cherry tomatoes and basil. A sprinkle of freshly grated pecorino on top adds a visually appealing and flavorful finishing touch.

Pairing Recommendations

A light, crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with this dish, complementing its fresh and aromatic flavors.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to prevent the pasta from drying out.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of this delightful pasta dish contains approximately 350 calories, making it a relatively light option that's perfect for a nutritious lunch or dinner.

Carbohydrates

A serving of Angel Hair with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil provides approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates. The majority comes from the angel hair pasta, which is a good source of energy. The cherry tomatoes also contribute a small amount of carbs, along with dietary fiber.

Fats

This dish is relatively low in fats, with most of the fat content coming from the extra virgin olive oil, which is known for its heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. A serving contains about 14 grams of fat, contributing to the dish's richness and mouthfeel without making it overly heavy.

Proteins

Angel Hair with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil offers a modest amount of protein, with approximately 10 grams per serving. The protein primarily comes from the pecorino dolce cheese, which adds a savory depth to the dish.

Vitamins and minerals

This pasta dish is a good source of vitamins A and C, thanks to the cherry tomatoes, and also provides calcium and iron from the pecorino dolce cheese. Basil adds additional vitamin K, which is important for blood clotting and bone health.

Alergens

The primary allergens in this recipe are gluten (from the angel hair pasta) and dairy (from the pecorino dolce cheese). Individuals with sensitivities to these ingredients should consider suitable substitutions.

Summary

Overall, Angel Hair with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil is a balanced dish that offers a good mix of carbohydrates for energy, healthy fats, a moderate amount of protein, and a variety of vitamins and minerals. It's a nutritious option that doesn't compromise on flavor.

Summary

Angel Hair with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil is a testament to the beauty of simplicity in Italian cuisine. It's a nutritious, flavorful, and versatile dish that can be adapted to suit various dietary needs and preferences. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is sure to impress with its delightful combination of flavors and ease of preparation.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a moth to a flame. It was a warm summer day, the sun shining brightly through the kitchen window as I leafed through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I turned the pages, a simple yet elegant recipe caught my eye: Angel Hair with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil.

I had always loved cooking, ever since I was a little girl watching my mother and grandmother in the kitchen. They would effortlessly whip up delicious meals, their hands moving with a grace and precision that seemed almost magical to me. I longed to be able to create dishes that brought people together, that filled their bellies and warmed their hearts.

So, without hesitation, I set out to make this dish. The ingredients were simple enough: angel hair pasta, ripe cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. I gathered them all together, the colors and scents mingling in a delightful symphony as I prepared to cook.

As I boiled the pasta and sautéed the garlic in olive oil, the kitchen filled with the comforting aroma of home-cooked food. I added the cherry tomatoes, their skins bursting with sweetness, and watched as they softened and released their juices. The basil, torn into fragrant ribbons, added a touch of freshness that brought the dish to life.

When everything was ready, I tossed the pasta with the tomato and basil mixture, the colors vibrant and inviting on the plate. I took a hesitant bite, the flavors exploding on my tongue in a burst of summer goodness. It was like nothing I had ever tasted before, a simple yet deeply satisfying dish that spoke to my soul.

From that moment on, Angel Hair with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil became a staple in my culinary repertoire. I would make it for family gatherings, for friends who needed a comforting meal, for myself on quiet evenings when the world felt too big and overwhelming. Each time I cooked it, I felt a sense of connection to those who had come before me, to the generations of women who had passed down their knowledge and love through the simple act of preparing food.

Over the years, I would add my own twists to the recipe, experimenting with different herbs, cheeses, and even proteins. But at its heart, it remained the same: a dish that spoke of warmth and comfort, of love and tradition. And as I shared it with others, I saw the same spark of joy in their eyes that had lit up mine so many years ago.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen, the scent of cherry tomatoes and basil wafting through the air, I am filled with a sense of gratitude. Gratitude for the simple pleasures of life, for the connections we forge through food and shared experiences, for the love that sustains us even in the darkest of times.

And as I take a bite of the pasta, savoring the flavors that dance on my palate, I know that this recipe will always hold a special place in my heart. It is more than just a dish; it is a story, a memory, a celebration of all that is good and beautiful in this world.

So, if you ever find yourself in need of comfort or connection, of a taste of home that transcends time and space, I urge you to make Angel Hair with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil. Let its simple yet profound flavors bring you back to your roots, to the people and places that have shaped you into the person you are today.

And as you sit down to enjoy this dish, surrounded by loved ones or even in quiet solitude, remember that you are part of a greater tapestry of human experience. We are all connected by the simple act of breaking bread together, by the stories and traditions that we pass down from one generation to the next.

And in that connection, in that shared experience of food and love, we find a sense of belonging that transcends time and space. So, cook with joy, eat with gratitude, and remember that the simplest of recipes can hold the deepest of meanings. For in the kitchen, as in life, we find nourishment for both body and soul.

Categories

| Basil Recipes | Capellini Recipes | Cherry Tomato Recipes | Garlic Recipes | Italian Recipes | Pecorino Tuscano Recipes | World Recipes |

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