| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 15 mins – 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 510 | 22g | 7g | 65g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 8g | 10g | 20g | 0.4g |
Every dish tells a story, evocative of the places they come from and the people who inspired them. This holds true for the delightful vegetable-based Elephant Garlic and Tomato Pasta recipe that I grew to love. Treading a bit away from my Montana-inspired roots, this heartful medley embodies the vibrance of Mediterranean culinary traditions with a personal touch.
The Inspiration Behind the Recipe
While huckleberry pies and bison burgers are undeniably delicious, I’ve always held a deep appreciation for cuisine that artfully utilizes simple, earthy ingredients. The Elephant Garlic and Tomato Pasta is just that — the epitome of rustic, home-cooked Italian fare. It relies on the richness of ripe tomatoes, the aromatic allure of elephant garlic, and the contrasting textures of spaghetti to work its magic. Reminiscent of my childhood summer visits to my Italian cousin who lived in New York, this recipe manifests a little bit of nostalgia on my plate.
The Joy of Simplicity
True to its Mediterranean background, this Elephant Garlic and Tomato Pasta celebrates the joy of simplicity. Rather than focusing on complicated techniques or unfamiliar ingredients, this dish is about allowing natural flavors to shine. It’s a wonderful reminder that sometimes, culinary excellence lies not in the elusive, but in the embrace of the elementary. The blend of olive oil, red pepper flakes, and fresh herbs ties everything together, offering a sensory journey packed with vibrant colors, tantalizing fragrance, and robust flavors.
Trying this recipe is not merely about coming up with a delightful pasta dish. It’s about celebrating a culinary philosophy that values fresh, uncomplicated ingredients, and the endless possibilities they can create.
Wholesome and Nutritious
Beyond its splendid flavor profile, this pasta recipe doesn’t fall short in offering a plethora of nutritional benefits. Bursting with vitamins C and A from the tomatoes, healthy monounsaturated fats from the olive oil, and dietary fiber from the whole grain pasta, it brings both nutrition and taste to the table.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a foodie looking for a tasty yet straightforward dish to prepare, this recipe surely fits the bill. Pair it with a glass of your favorite red wine or a simple green salad with citrus vinaigrette for a well-rounded meal.
What You’ll Need
- 3 Elephant garlic cloves
- 6 large ripe tomatoes
- 1 pound of spaghetti pasta
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 1/2 cup of fresh basil leaves
- 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup of chopped fresh parsley
Method
Step One
Begin by prepping your ingredients. Peel and mince your elephant garlic cloves. Core your tomatoes, then dice them into small pieces. Remove the stems from your fresh basil leaves and chop them finely. Rinse and chop your fresh parsley.
Step Two
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add your spaghetti pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain the pasta.
Step Three
While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the minced elephant garlic cloves and red pepper flakes into the skillet and sauté until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step Four
Add your diced tomatoes, salt, and black pepper into the pan. Cook for around 5-7 minutes, or until the tomatoes have softened and released their juices. You’re looking for a sauce-like consistency.
Step Five
Add your chopped basil leaves to the pan and stir in. Cook for about a minute more, until the basil is wilted and well incorporated.
Step Six
Add your drained pasta into the skillet and stir well, making sure all the pasta strands are coated with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until everything is heated through.
Step Seven
Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Add the chopped fresh parsley and gently mix in. Your Elephant Garlic and Tomato Pasta is ready to serve!
