| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins – 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 437 | 21g | 4g | 47g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 7g | 4g | 16g | 0.93g |
From the sweeping grasslands of Montana to the heart of your kitchen, each dish I create carries a part of my story. Today, I invite you to savor the simplicity and robust flavors of my Spaghetti with Olive and Tomato Sauce, a humble yet exceedingly savory dish that beautifully marries the earthiness of olives and zesty tomatoes with nourishing spaghetti strands.
A Nod to Simplicity and Tradition
While my roots in Montana have deeply instilled a love for hearty, rancher-inspired meals, and the echoing spirit of Native American traditions, I have always been excited about exploring and incorporating a broad spectrum of flavors into my recipes. This dish diverges from my typical repertoire of bison burgers or venison steaks, yet it holds a special place in my heart both for its charming simplicity and its roots in traditional Italian cooking. It’s incredibly similar to the beloved Spaghetti alla Puttanesca, with a few tweaks to bring it in line with my philosophy of using locally-sourced, fresh ingredients.
A Symphony of Flavors and Health Benefits
The straightforward ingredients of this dish belie the symphony of flavors waiting to be unleashed. The juicy tomatoes, hand crushed to perfection, meld flawlessly with the aromatic onions and garlic sautéed in olive oil. Sprinkling in dried basil and oregano infuses an herbaceous breath that revives the senses, and the addition of succulent sliced olives introduces a delightful briny note. The cooking process is completed with generously grated Parmesan cheese, adding a touch of creaminess that binds all the elements together.
But this Spaghetti with Olive and Tomato Sauce does more than tantalize your taste buds; it’s also packed with incredible health benefits. The Olive Oil, used as the base, is loaded with beneficial fatty acids and antioxidants which contribute to heart health. Meanwhile, the tomatoes provide an excellent source of lycopene, a potent antioxidant linked to many health benefits. The olives, aside from their rich Mediterranean flavor, are high in vitamin E and other powerful antioxidants.
This dish is a perfect standalone meal, but it could also be paired beautifully with a simple green salad for some extra crunch and freshness, or perhaps, a slice of crusty bread to mop up that delectable sauce. So pour a glass of your favorite wine and let’s embark on an Italian culinary journey right in the comfort of your own kitchen with my Spaghetti with Olive and Tomato Sauce.
What You’ll Need
- 12 Cups of water
- 2 Teaspoons of salt
- 1 Pound of spaghetti
- 4 Tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 Onion, finely chopped
- 2 Cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 Can (28 ounces) of crushed tomatoes
- 1 Cup of olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 Teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1/2 Teaspoon of dried basil
- 1/4 Teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 Cup of grated Parmesan cheese
Method
Step One
Add the 12 cups of water and 2 teaspoons of salt into a large pot and bring to a boil.
Step Two
Once the water is boiling, add 1 pound of spaghetti and cook until al dente, following package instructions.
Step Three
While the spaghetti is cooking, heat up 4 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Step Four
Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet and cook until it becomes translucent.
Step Five
Next, add the 2 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet and cook for a minute until it is fragrant.
Step Six
Add the 28 ounces of crushed tomatoes, 1 cup of olives, 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper to the skillet.
Step Seven
Let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step Eight
Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain it well and add it to the skillet with the sauce. Stir until the spaghetti is fully coated with the sauce.
Step Nine
Serve the spaghetti with a generous topping of the 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your Spaghetti with Olive and Tomato Sauce!
