This is a one dish meal. Great when you’re rushed for time, or you just don’t want to make more than one wonderful thing! This would be that ‘most wonderful’ thing to soothe all hunger. One ingredient which I highly recommend purchasing in bulk is Italian plum tomatoes (whole, not pureed/chopped). They are usually available in 400 ml or 800 ml cans; and I say you buy all you can lay your eyes (and hands) on! They are so wonderful, versatile (use them for your pizza sauce!) and taste of the Tuscan countryside. This, my avid readers, is the true secret to every amazing tomato based pasta sauce you have ever tasted! In every restaurant, in any city, this is it (well of course, barring Italian cities). It will transport you. Best thrown over some al dente spaghetti, and finished with a few curls of Parmesan and a sprig of basil. How can that EVER go wrong? For today, another great recipe using these glorious plum tomatoes.
Additionally, my uncle sent over what resembles about 2 kilos of the best Parmesan cheese I have tasted in my life. Lucky me! More parmesan recipes coming up!
Fusilli with Peppers and Parmesan (serves 4)
1. Simply heat 2 tbs heat the oil in a large frying pan and gently cook 1 sliced onion, until soft on a medium flame. Add one red, green and yellow pepper, sliced and de-seeded. Let them get a shiny glaze and soften. Reduce the heat, grate over the pan 2 cloves of garlic and add 1 small can (400ml) of Italian plum tomatoes. Let it come to boil and simmer for a good 15-20 minutes to let the flavours infuse.
2. Use this time to cook the fusilli (1 cup dry fusilli per person), according to package instructions. I always add a pinch of salt and a teaspoon of olive oil to prevent the pasta from sticking.
3. Arrange the pasta in a serving dish, pour over the sauce and garnish with about 25 gm of good quality Parmesan cheese and a few sprigs of fresh basil. You could even grate the cheese, and then grill for a few minutes before serving.
My little confession: Always keep a little extra Parmesan on the table, with a hand grater, for added yum!
