Spaghetti with Tomatoes and Olives

Spaghetti with Tomatoes and Olives Recipe from Italy

Region / culture: Italy | Servings: 4

Introduction

Spaghetti with tomatoes and olives is a classic Italian dish that is both flavorful and satisfying. The combination of fresh tomatoes, briny olives, and savory capers creates a delicious sauce that pairs perfectly with thin spaghetti noodles. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a special dinner with friends and family.

History

This recipe has its roots in traditional Italian cuisine, where pasta dishes are a staple in many households. The use of fresh tomatoes, olives, and capers in pasta sauces dates back centuries and has been passed down through generations. Spaghetti with tomatoes and olives is a simple yet delicious dish that showcases the flavors of the Mediterranean.

Ingredients

2 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil
3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
1.5 lb (680 g) of fresh ripe tomatoes, seeded and chopped (about 3 cups)
1 tbsp of tomato paste
1 tsp of dried oregano
0.13 tsp of ground red pepper
0.5 cup of pitted brine-cured black olives, coarsely chopped
2 tbsp of capers
salt and pepper
1 package of thin spaghetti (16 oz or 454 g)
grated parmesan cheese

How to prepare

Heat olive oil and garlic in a large skillet over low heat until the garlic begins to sizzle.
Add tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, and red pepper. Simmer uncovered until the sauce thickens, about 15 minutes.
Add olives, capers, and salt and pepper to taste.
Toss spaghetti with the sauce.
Sprinkle with cheese before serving.

Variations

Add cooked shrimp or chicken for extra protein.
Use whole wheat spaghetti for added fiber.
Stir in some fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use ripe, fresh tomatoes for the best flavor in this dish.

- Don't overcook the tomatoes, as they should still have some texture in the sauce.

- Adjust the amount of red pepper to suit your spice preference.

- Feel free to add other ingredients such as fresh herbs or vegetables to customize the dish to your liking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve spaghetti with tomatoes and olives with a side salad and crusty bread for a complete meal. Pair it with a glass of red wine for a true Italian dining experience.

Cooking Techniques

The key to this recipe is simmering the tomatoes slowly to develop a rich and flavorful sauce. Be sure to adjust the seasonings to taste and toss the spaghetti with the sauce just before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have fresh tomatoes, you can use canned diced tomatoes instead. You can also substitute green olives for black olives or omit the capers if you prefer.

Make Ahead Tips

You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat the sauce and toss it with freshly cooked spaghetti when ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the spaghetti with tomatoes and olives with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a beautiful presentation. Serve it in a large pasta bowl for a family-style meal.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a variety of wines, such as a light and fruity Pinot Noir or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving it with sparkling water or iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the spaghetti with tomatoes and olives in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of spaghetti with tomatoes and olives contains approximately 400 calories. This makes it a relatively light and satisfying meal option.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of spaghetti with tomatoes and olives contains approximately 60 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body and can help fuel your daily activities.

Fats

This dish is relatively low in fat, with each serving containing about 10 grams of fat. The olive oil used in the recipe provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats that are beneficial for overall health.

Proteins

Spaghetti with tomatoes and olives provides around 12 grams of protein per serving. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body, making this dish a good source of this important nutrient.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C from the tomatoes and olives. Vitamin C is important for immune function and skin health, among other benefits.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the spaghetti noodles and dairy from the parmesan cheese. It may also contain sulfites from the olives and capers. Be sure to check for any allergens before preparing this dish.

Summary

Overall, spaghetti with tomatoes and olives is a nutritious and balanced meal option that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a delicious and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Summary

Spaghetti with tomatoes and olives is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its flavorful sauce and tender noodles, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the taste of Italy with this classic pasta dish!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was a warm summer day many years ago, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy kitchen. Maria was known for her delicious Italian dishes, and on that particular day, she was preparing a simple yet flavorful spaghetti with tomatoes and olives.

As I watched her effortlessly chop fresh tomatoes and pitted olives, I couldn't help but be drawn in by the aroma wafting through the air. The sizzle of garlic and onions in the pan, the gentle simmer of the tomatoes releasing their juices – it was a symphony of flavors that I knew I had to recreate in my own kitchen.

Maria noticed my interest and smiled knowingly. "Would you like to learn how to make this dish, my dear?" she asked, her eyes twinkling with mischief. I eagerly nodded, and she handed me a wooden spoon, guiding me through each step of the recipe.

I watched intently as she added the tomatoes, olives, and a sprinkle of herbs to the pan, letting them simmer and meld together to create a rich, savory sauce. As the pasta cooked to al dente perfection, Maria tossed it with the sauce, coating each strand with the delicious flavors of the Mediterranean.

Finally, she plated the spaghetti and sprinkled it with a generous handful of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. I took my first bite, and my taste buds were instantly transported to a rustic Italian village, where the sun-kissed tomatoes and briny olives danced on my palate.

From that moment on, I was hooked. I made the spaghetti with tomatoes and olives countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my own taste. I added a splash of red wine for depth, a pinch of chili flakes for heat, and a handful of fresh basil for brightness.

Over the years, I collected recipes from friends, family, and even strangers I met on my travels. Each dish told a story, a memory captured in flavors and aromas that transported me to different times and places.

But the spaghetti with tomatoes and olives held a special place in my heart. It was the dish that started it all, the one that sparked my love affair with cooking and sparked my creativity in the kitchen.

As I sit here in my own kitchen, preparing a pot of spaghetti with tomatoes and olives for my grandchildren, I can't help but feel grateful for that fateful day with Maria. She taught me not just how to cook a dish, but how to infuse it with love and memories, making each bite a celebration of life and friendship.

So as I twirl a forkful of pasta and take a bite, I savor the flavors that have become a part of my culinary journey. And I can't help but smile, knowing that the recipe for spaghetti with tomatoes and olives will continue to be passed down through generations, a reminder of the joy that can be found in a simple yet delicious meal shared with loved ones.