Linguine with Homemade Tomato Sauce
Linguine with Homemade Tomato Sauce
Experience the Difference: Linguine with 100% Authentic Tomato Sauce!
Today’s menu features linguine made with a homemade tomato sauce, crafted from 100% tomato paste that we made ourselves! This sauce offers a profoundly different flavor profile compared to store-bought versions, which often have a sharp, vinegary taste that reminds me of ketchup. I’m not usually a fan of commercial tomato sauces because they can be overly acidic and don’t suit my palate. However, homemade tomato sauce is a game-changer! The nuanced, rich taste is truly remarkable, and naturally, a pasta made with this superior sauce will be absolutely delicious. Get ready for an exceptional pasta experience!
Ingredients- Linguine 80g
- Homemade Tomato Sauce
- Onion 40g, finely chopped
- Mushrooms (e.g., cremini or button), sliced
- Minced garlic 1 tsp
- Bay leaf 1
- Olive oil, generous amount
- Black pepper
- Salt 1 tsp (for pasta water)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
In a wide pan, bring 1 liter of water to a rolling boil. I find a square-shaped pot incredibly convenient for cooking long pasta like linguine. It allows you to submerge the pasta straight without bending it, ensuring even cooking. Once the water is boiling vigorously, add the linguine. Crucially, add 1 teaspoon of salt to the water at this stage; this seasons the pasta from the inside out.
Step 2
While the pasta is cooking, let’s prepare the delicious tomato sauce. Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Then, add the chopped onion and sliced mushrooms, cooking them together until the onions become translucent. Sautéing well will bring out the natural sweetness of the vegetables.
Step 3
Grind fresh black pepper generously over the mixture, according to your preference. The subtle heat from the pepper will enhance the overall aroma and flavor.
Step 4
Now, add the homemade tomato paste and the bay leaf to the pan. Stir everything together well, ensuring the tomato paste is thoroughly combined with the sautéed vegetables.
Step 5
If you’ve already included a bay leaf during the preparation of your tomato paste, you can omit it from the sauce. However, a bay leaf imparts a wonderful, subtle depth of flavor to the sauce, so it’s highly recommended to include it if possible. This step marks the completion of your homemade tomato sauce!
Step 6
Once the linguine is cooked al dente, drain it well and immediately add it to the pan with the prepared tomato sauce. Toss the pasta and sauce together to coat the noodles evenly.
Step 7
To achieve a luscious texture and rich flavor, add a ladleful of the pasta cooking water (pasta water) to the pan while tossing. This will help emulsify the sauce, creating a beautiful coating on the linguine and enhancing its overall deliciousness and visual appeal.
Step 8
Finally, plate your beautiful linguine with homemade tomato sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy this delightful homemade pasta dish!
