Pomodoro Pasta
INGREDIENTS
1 small red onion
1 medium carrot
5-6 large garlic cloves
1 parmesan rind (approx. 2"x4")
1 28 oz can San Marzano whole peeled tomatoes
2-3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
1 tsp salt
1 lb thin spaghetti or any other long pasta
fresh parmesan
METHOD
1. Slice the root end of the onion. Then slice in half and peel. Set aside.
2. Peel the carrot. Chop off a bit from both ends. Slice in half the short way, and then slice the thick end in half the long way. Set aside.
3. Peel the garlic and gently crush once with the flat end of your knife. Set aside.
4. Pour the can of tomatoes into a large bowl or Tupperware container and crush them by hand. (Gently grasp the tomato in the sauce and press the thumb of the same hand into the tomato to prevent it from squirting tomato juice all over you.)
5. Add the oil to a medium saucepan over medium-medium low heat.
6. Once the oil is warm and moves freely in the pan, add the garlic and a pinch of salt. Sauté until golden.
7. Once the garlic is golden, add the crushed tomatoes, onion, carrot, and parmesan rind.
8. Grab the whole bunch of basil, tear it in two, and add it to the pan.
9. Top with 1 tsp of salt. Stir to combine and let simmer on low for 30 minutes.
10. Put a pot of water on to boil for the pasta. Add 1 Tbsp Salt, and bring to a boil while the sauce simmers.
11. After 30 minutes, taste. Season with salt as desired.
12. By now your pasta water should already be boiling. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions.
13. Remove the garlic, onion, carrot, parmesan rind, and as much basil as you like. If some is left in you can just blend it.
14. Use as is, or blend with an immersion blender for a smoother sauce.
15. Add the sauce to a large shallow sauté pan on medium-low heat.
16. When the pasta is done, add it to the pan with the sauce and let it cook in the sauce for at least one minute.stirring constantly.
17. Add some freshly grated parmesan cheese and continue to stir to combine.
HOW TO SERVE
Serve immediately with fresh ground parmesan on top.