This is as basic as it gets. Pasta Marinara. Anyone else ready for the sweet taste of vine ripened tomatoes? Seriously, summer in Minnesota isn’t complete without fresh tomatoes!
I am READY! Lucky for me, I still have some of my canned fresh tomatoes from last year. My husband loves pasta and hands down, this one is his favorite! He says, “There is nothing better than a simple but “fancy” pasta made with summer fresh tomatoes sprinkled with Parmesan on a hot summer day.” And maybe a cold beer ?.
This can be whipped up in no time with very little fuss which was exactly what I needed. Plus this makes for a perfect meal the night before a long run or race.
This week the temps barely made it into the 70’s. But last week, a different story! Ha…that is Minnesota for ya. If you read my last post, you saw I ran a 10K for Hope For Kids. We all need more HOPE in this world…..
This week the running community is deeply saddened by the loss of one of Minnesotan’s Finest runners. If you are not familiar with Gabe’s story, you can read all about her and her foundation here. I am in awe of all the love and support that poured out all over social media and the news. Seriously, Chip Gaines you are an angel!
If you’re wondering if they made their goal. YEP!
I didn’t know Gabe personally but she left behind a legacy and she will never be forgotten.
Most of us probably know of a loved one who has had to endure the ugliness of cancer. It really does suck. Remember we can make a difference in so many ways. I prayed and then I prayed some more for my friend. Although my entry fee to last weeks race may have felt small and my donation to BRAVELIKEGABE wasn’t much, and at times we may feel helpless, remember this…there is HOPE. Be Brave like Gabe.
I ran with my heart last week, this week, and to be perfectly honest, it’s not about achieving PR’s as Gabe would say. If you have a race or long run this weekend, good luck. Most of all, have fun and realize how blessed you are to run.
And of course, if you need a simple pre-race meal, may I suggest this simple but elegant pasta dish..it just may become your new favorite too.
And by the way, if you don’t have fresh tomatoes, it’s ok to use a good quality store bought one.
PASTA WITH SIMPLE RED SAUCE
INGREDIENTS:
- Salt
- 4 tablespoons coconut ghee, ghee, or butter
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon red chile flakes, or to taste
- One 14 ounce can of pureed fresh tomatoes or good quality canned
- Pepper
- 1 pound of your favorite pasta, I used Bonza GF
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
DIRECTIONS:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and plenty of salt. Melt the ghee in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and red chile flakes if you are using. Cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and fragrant, 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Adjust the heat so the sauce bubbles enthusiastically and cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes thicken and ou can smash the garlic a bit, 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings and keep sauce hot but not boiling.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes than start tasting. Be sure not to over cook your pasta. Needs to be tender with some bite. Reserve 2 cups of pasta water and then drain the pasta and return to the pot.
- Add the sauce and cheese to the pasta, swirl 1/2 cup of cooking water in the skillet to loosen every last drop of sauce and add that to the pot too. Toss with tongs to coat the noodles, adding more cooking water or butter a little at a time, to make the pasta creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning and serve, passing more cheese at the table.
Have you been following Gabe’s story?
Are you racing this weekend?
I am not but wishing all my friends that are running Grandma’s Good luck!
What is your favorite pasta dish?
Do you grow your own tomatoes?
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