Feta and Tomato Spaghetti

Feta and Tomato Spaghetti Recipe - A Delicious Vegetarian Greek Dish

Region / culture: Greece | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Feta and Tomato Spaghetti is a delicious and flavorful pasta dish that combines the tangy taste of feta cheese with the sweetness of fresh tomatoes. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal that the whole family will love.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on traditional Italian pasta dishes. The combination of feta cheese and tomatoes is a popular flavor pairing that has been used in Mediterranean cuisine for centuries. This dish is a great example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a delicious and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

0.5 lb (227 g) thin spaghetti
0.25 cup olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped
4 plum tomatoes, chopped
1 tsp dried oregano
0.5 tsp salt
0.33 cup dry white wine
4 oz (113 g) feta cheese, crumbled
0.13 tsp pepper

How to prepare

Bring 4 qt (3.78 liters) of water to a boil and lightly season with salt.
Prepare spaghetti according to the instructions on the package.
Remove 0.25 cup of the cooking water and set aside, then drain the pasta.
Heat oil in a skillet.
Add onion and cook for 3 minutes.
Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring occasionally.
Stir in tomatoes, oregano, and salt.
Cook for 2 minutes.
Add wine and cook for 1 minute.
Add cheese, spaghetti, and reserved water, then toss with pepper.
Serve immediately.

Variations

Add cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
Use whole wheat spaghetti for a healthier option.
Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the spaghetti al dente to ensure that it has the perfect texture.

- Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.

- Crumble the feta cheese just before adding it to the pasta for a creamy and tangy finish.

- Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more salt and pepper if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Feta and Tomato Spaghetti with a side salad and a glass of white wine for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to toss the pasta with the sauce quickly to ensure that it is evenly coated.

- Use a large skillet to cook the sauce and pasta together for easy mixing.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use goat cheese or ricotta in place of feta cheese.

- Use cherry tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes in place of plum tomatoes.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- Cook the pasta just before serving for the best texture.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color. - Serve the pasta in individual bowls for a restaurant-style presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Feta and Tomato Spaghetti with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

- Pair this dish with a side of garlic bread or bruschetta for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat the pasta in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Feta and Tomato Spaghetti contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Feta and Tomato Spaghetti contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Feta and Tomato Spaghetti contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Feta and Tomato Spaghetti contains approximately 10 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (feta cheese) and gluten (spaghetti).

Summary

Feta and Tomato Spaghetti is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Feta and Tomato Spaghetti is a delicious and satisfying pasta dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. With a perfect balance of flavors and nutrients, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of awe. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting my dear friend Maria, who was known for her incredible culinary skills. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, the mouthwatering aroma of garlic and tomatoes filled the air, and I knew I was in for a treat.

Maria greeted me with a warm hug and a mischievous grin. "I have a new recipe to share with you today, my dear," she said, her eyes twinkling with excitement. "Feta and tomato spaghetti. It's a simple dish, but oh so delicious. You must try it."

I watched in awe as Maria effortlessly whipped up the dish, her hands moving with precision and grace. She chopped fresh tomatoes, minced garlic, and crumbled tangy feta cheese with ease. The sizzle of the olive oil in the pan, the bubbling of the tomato sauce, and the gentle simmer of the pasta filled the room with a symphony of sounds.

As I sat at the table, eagerly awaiting my first bite, Maria told me the story behind the recipe. She had learned it from her grandmother, who had learned it from her grandmother before her. It was a cherished family recipe, passed down through generations, and Maria was proud to continue the tradition.

The aroma of the dish grew stronger as Maria plated the spaghetti, topping it with a generous sprinkle of fresh basil and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. I took my first bite and was instantly transported to a world of flavors and textures. The sweetness of the tomatoes, the creaminess of the feta, and the bite of the garlic danced on my taste buds, creating a symphony of flavors that I had never experienced before.

I savored each bite, letting the flavors linger on my tongue, and I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen. As I finished my plate, Maria smiled at me, her eyes sparkling with pride. "I knew you would love it," she said. "It's a simple dish, but it brings so much joy and warmth to the table."

I left Maria's house that day with a renewed passion for cooking and a newfound appreciation for the power of simple, homemade dishes. I knew that I had to recreate the recipe for my own family, to share with them the magic that I had experienced in Maria's kitchen.

Over the years, I have made the feta and tomato spaghetti countless times, each time tweaking the recipe to make it my own. I have added fresh herbs from my garden, experimented with different types of tomatoes, and even tried substituting the feta cheese with goat cheese or Parmesan. But no matter how I change the recipe, the essence of Maria's dish remains the same – a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients and the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones.

As I sit here now, writing this story for my grandchildren to read, I am filled with a sense of nostalgia and gratitude. The recipe for feta and tomato spaghetti has been a constant in my life, a reminder of the moments shared with dear friends and loved ones around the table. And as I pass it down to the next generation, I know that it will continue to bring joy, warmth, and a sense of awe to all who taste it.

So, my dear grandchildren, I urge you to embrace the magic of cooking, to cherish the recipes that have been passed down through generations, and to always remember the power of a simple dish made with love. And most importantly, never underestimate the joy that a humble plate of feta and tomato spaghetti can bring to your heart and soul.