Fresh Spaghetti With Tomatoes and Basil

Name: Fresh Spaghetti With Tomatoes and Basil
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4 to 6 servings
Ingredients: 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil; 4 large garlic cloves, minced; 4 pounds ripe tomatoes, peeled and diced; 3 tablespoons coarsely chopped basil leaves; Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes; Salt to taste; 12 ounces spaghetti alla chitarra (see note); Freshly grated imported Italian parmesan cheese

By Florence Fabricant

Updated Oct. 11, 2023

Total Time: 55 minutes
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Rating: 4(10)
Comments: Read comments

Featured in: Food Fit for Italy's Princes

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Ingredients

Yield:4 to 6 servings

⅓cup extra-virgin olive oil
4large garlic cloves, minced
4pounds ripe tomatoes, peeled and diced
3tablespoons coarsely chopped basil leaves
Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
Salt to taste
12ounces spaghetti alla chitarra (see note)
Freshly grated imported Italian parmesan cheese

Ingredient Substitution Guide

Preparation

Step 1
In a large skillet heat the oil, then stir in the garlic. Before the garlic browns, stir in the tomatoes, basil, red pepper and salt to taste. Simmer for about 25 minutes, until the sauce has thickened.
Step 2
While the sauce is simmering bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. When the sauce is cooked, add the spaghetti to the boiling water, stirring to separate the strands. When the water returns to the boil, cook for about a minute, then drain.
Step 3
Divide the spaghetti among four to six warmed plates, add the sauce and serve at once. Pass grated parmesan cheese on the side.

Tip

Spaghetti alla chitarra is sold at Borgatti's, 632 East 187th Street in the Bronx. Fresh linguine or imported dried spaghetti can be substituted. Dried spaghetti will require about 6 minutes cooking time.