One of the things we miss the most in this stay-at-home phase is going out to our favorite local restaurants. Sure, we can always do takeout, but it just doesn't feel the same without the anticipation of the evening out or the ambiance.
So instead we have been cooking at home, a lot - but we also crave a few of our go-to restaurant dishes, like this sauteed kale with garlic from Din Tai Fung or the spaghetti pomodoro from Campo de Bocce. Campo de Bocce is a lovely Italian restaurant chain in Norther California combining scrumptious family style Italian food with the appeal of outdoor bocce courts to play a few games! It's a lot of fun with a large group of family or friends, where you can combine fun of playing a few bocche rounds and nibbling on their amazing appetizers or enjoying a relaxed brunch!
Anyhow, my favorite dish of their menu is the humble spaghetti pomodoro. I have been attempting to re-create it at home for a while now, but my attempts took a new urgency the last few months. I am happy to say this version I think comes super close!
What I like about this recipe is that it's simple, easy to put together but very tasty with fresh, vibrant flavors which burst right in your mouth! Pair it with a good Chianti or your favorite dry red wine, and it's a meal to remember.
Spaghetti is cooked just al-dente with a bite left to it and the sauce is a simple saute of fresh roma tomatoes, garlic, basil, olives and a really good quality olive oil. I am not a fan of pasta with canned tomato sauces, so I like this fresh vibrant sauce with barely cooked roma tomatoes. Give it a try and I am sure you will love it (and won't miss the meat or fancy additions :) )
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| Spaghetti Pomodoro |
Recipe is simple:
- Cook spaghetti al-dente in a boiling salted water per the package direction (I use 4 servings of spaghetti per the package direction).
- While pasta is cooking, warm few Tbsp good quality olive oil in a large pan.
- Add 4-5 finely chopped garlic cloves and cook stirring until the oil is fragrant but taking care the garlic doesn't burn.
- Follow-up with 5-6 fresh roma tomatoes, chopped fine. It's best if you can find freshly picked tomatoes either from the garden or farmer's market - but if not store bought would be just fine too.
- All salt & pepper to taste.
- Cook tomatoes until they are just about to soften and loose their shape - 5-6 minutes. Turn off the heat. Do not let them become completely saucy, they should soften but partly retaining their shape.
- Add a dash of balsamic vinegar, pinch of sugar to balance the acidity and stir well.
- Right before serving, add handful of chopped fresh basil and chopped olives. Mix well.
- Serve sauce over pasta. Drizzle with a little more olive oil & top with grated Parmesan cheese and chili flakes (if using). Enjoy!
I don't think olive is in the original version but it's an addition I love it in pasta. But feel free to skip too.
This spring our garden is flourishing with lots of flowers, lavender and citrus blossoms! Our pomegranate tree is laden with flowers and a promise of bunch of small fruit buds. There is soft soothing aroma of new lavender in the air! It has been a pleasure to sit in the yard and work the hours away!
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| Native cactus, lavender and pomegranate blossom |
We have also been able to enjoy a few hikes to nearby mountains while social distancing. They have been very relaxing and therapeutic, a time to steal from all the stresses of the work and unease in the world!
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| Mountain hikes - wildflowers, city views and a laden peach tree! |