Thursday, January 21, 2010

Back to blogging and pasta recipe

Hello friend! Well, it's been over a month since I have posted anything. I guess I have just been in a funk. But, since it is a new year...I keep telling myself I need to get it together and start blogging more! So, I will starting by sharing with you what I did tonight. I made Red-Wine Pasta. I wasn't sure how it was going to turn out, but it was really good and it only took about 25 minutes to make. Here is the recipe!

Things You'll Need:
  • 1 pound pasta
  • 1 bottle red wine
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped (I just used minced garlic)
  • 1 teaspoon dried hot red pepper flakes
  • Freshly grated Parmesan Cheese
  • Cookware: Large pot, Large skillet, Tongs, Large serving bowl.
Step 1
Bring 5 quarts of water to a boil and cook spaghetti, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. You do not want fully cooked pasta at this point.

Step 2
Reserve one cup of pasta water, drain pasta in colander, and return the now empty pot to stove.

Step 3
Add wine and sugar to pot and boil vigorously for about 2 minutes until liquid is reduced a bit.

Step 4
Add pasta and shake pot to prevent pasta from sticking to the bottom.
Gently stir with tongs until coated and boil over high heat, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid is absorbed, about 5 minutes.

Step 5
Immediately after adding spaghetti to wine mixture, sauté garlic and red pepper flakes in the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over moderately low heat, shaking skillet occasionally, until garlic is pale golden, about 5 minutes.

Step 6
Gently add the pasta mixture into the skillet with the garlic and pepper flakes, carefully toss with tongs to combine.

Step 7
Cook while stirring, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat, season with freshly ground black pepper. Add freshly grated cheese and serve immediately.

Now, it may seem like a lot of steps, but it's really not. Also, if you do not like spicy things, you could leave the red pepper flakes out of it. They give the pasta a little bite. Good luck and happy cooking :)