My mama made it for me growing up, as did her mom, and long before that. we call it “macaroni and tomatoes”
Macaronis et Tomates, a delightful and comforting dish originating from the heart of Italian cuisine, combines the simplicity of pasta with the rich flavors of tomato-based sauce. This dish is a celebration of two classic ingredients — pasta and tomatoes — harmoniously blended together to create a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its fragrant aroma and robust taste, Macaronis et Tomates is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe offers a deliciously easy way to enjoy the timeless flavors of Italian cooking. Let’s dive into the kitchen and embark on a culinary journey to savor the irresistible charm of Macaronis et Tomates!
Ingredients:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Elbow macaroni or any pasta of your choice | 2 cups |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 |
| Cloves garlic, minced | 2 |
| Crushed tomatoes | 1 can (14 ounces) |
| Diced tomatoes | 1 can (14 ounces) |
| Dried basil | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Grated Parmesan cheese (optional) | For garnish |
| Fresh basil leaves (optional) | For garnish |
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pasta:
- Cook the elbow macaroni (or your preferred pasta) according to the package instructions until it’s al dente.
- Drain the cooked pasta and set it aside.
- Create the Tomato Sauce:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add finely chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add crushed tomatoes and diced tomatoes to the skillet.
- Mix in dried basil and dried oregano, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Allow the sauce to simmer for 10-15 minutes until it thickens and the flavors meld together.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked macaroni (or pasta) to the tomato sauce in the skillet.
- Toss the pasta gently to coat evenly with the sauce.
- Continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Dish out the Macaronis et Tomates onto plates.
- If desired, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for added flavor and freshness.
- Enjoy!
- Serve the Macaronis et Tomates hot and enjoy the delicious flavors of this comforting Italian dish.
