Turn plain pasta and tomato sauce into a deliciously epic dinner dish, thanks to Mary Berg.
YIELDS
4
Ingredients
1 (796 ml) can whole tomatoes
1 yellow onion, peeled and halved
6 tablespoons butter
1 sprig basil or oregano
1 rind Parmigiano Reggiano, optional
Salt
300–350g rigatoni
Directions
Add the tomatoes into a pot or high-sided sauté pan and break them apart using your hands or a wooden spoon (be careful of tomato juice splatter!). If using, add in the onion, butter, basil or oregano, and Parmigiano Reggiano rind.
Turn the heat to medium-low and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for at least 30 minutes. I like to cook mine for 45 minutes and an hour, giving the sauce a super-rich flavour. Season with salt and discard the onion, herbs, and Parmigiano rind. Keep warm over low until ready to use.
For the pasta, we’re going to use the cold-water method. Add the noodles to an empty pot and cover with about one inch of cold tap water. Season with salt, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
When the water boils, remove the lid, stir, and decrease the heat to medium/medium-low to maintain a simmer. Cook for four to five minutes or until al dente.
Remove the noodles from the water using a fine mesh sieve or slotted spoon and transfer them into the sauce. Toss well to combine, adding a splash or two of the starchy cooking liquid as needed.
Serve with some fresh herbs scattered overtop, as well as some Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. Enjoy!