Basil and Tomato Pasta ( Italian Recipe)
by Tarla Dalal

This recipe has been viewed 175059 times

Pasta is always served with a sauce in southern Italy and the sauce invariably includes tomatoes, onions and garlic amongst its ingredients. Basil and tomato sauce is arguably one of the best known pasta sauces of Italy. Any kind of pasta is accompanied with this famous basil and red tomato sauce. You can prepare larger quantities of this sauce and freeze it. Parboiled vegetables can also be added to this recipe.

Basil and Tomato Pasta ( Italian Recipe) recipe - How to make Basil and Tomato Pasta ( Italian Recipe)

2 cups cooked spaghetti

For The Tomato Basil Sauce
1/4 cup cherry tomato halves
1 1/2 cups fresh tomato pulp
1/2 cup chopped basil leaves
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp finely chopped garlic (lehsun)
1/2 cup finely chopped onions
1 tsp chilli powder
2 tbsp tomato puree
1 tsp sugar
salt to taste
5 tbsp fresh cream

For The Garnish
2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
a few basil leaves

Method
For the tomato basil sauce

Heat the olive oil in a broad non-stick pan, add the garlic and onions and sauté on a medium flame for 1 to 2 minutes.
Add the cherry tomatoes and sauté on a high flame for 1 to 2 minutes.
Add the tomato pulp and cook on a medium flame for 5 to 7 minutes or till the sauce thickens, while stirring occasionally.
Add the chilli powder, tomato purée, sugar, salt and ¼ cup of water and cook on a medium flame for 1 to 2 minutes, while stirring occasionally.
Switch off the flame, add the cream and basil leaves and mix well.

How to proceed

Just before serving, re-heat the tomato basil sauce, add the spaghetti in it and toss well. Cook on a medium flame for 1 minute or till the sauce coats the spaghetti well.
Serve hot garnished with the cheese and basil leaves.

Tomato Basil Pasta Video by Tarla Dalal