Peasant Spaghetti
Peasant Spaghetti offers a simple yet flavorful Italian-inspired dish with fresh tomatoes, basil, and garlic, perfect for a quick, rustic meal enjoyed with family or friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Crush the garlic clove with the salt.
- Scald the tomatoes, peel them, and cut into sections.
- Wash and chop the basil.
- Add water, olive oil, and a dash of black pepper to a pan and cook briefly.
- Let the mixture sit for about an hour to let flavors meld.
- Cook the spaghetti al dente according to package instructions.
- Drain the spaghetti and add the tomato mixture.
- Serve in a soup bowl.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, use ripe tomatoes, preferably heirloom varieties. If fresh basil is unavailable, a teaspoon of dried basil can substitute, but add it earlier during cooking. Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. You can also incorporate leftover vegetables, such as sautéed broccoli rabe, to enhance the dish further.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Peasant Spaghetti in a soup bowl to showcase its rustic charm. It pairs beautifully with Scarola Insalata (Italian Salad) for a refreshing contrast. You can also serve it alongside Marinated Italian Green Beans for a vibrant, vegetable-rich meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Peasant Spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to the pan to loosen the sauce and warm over low heat, stirring occasionally. This will help prevent the spaghetti from becoming dry or sticky.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peasant Spaghetti contains roughly 88 calories, with 5g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (80% of the Daily Value), calcium (31% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1762mg per serving (77% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use canned tomatoes if fresh ones aren't available. Drain the canned tomatoes and add them directly to the pan, adjusting the cooking time to allow the flavors to meld. Opt for whole peeled tomatoes for a better texture.
What can I add for protein?
To add protein, consider tossing in cooked chickpeas or white beans right before serving. For a non-vegetarian option, grilled chicken or shrimp can also complement the dish nicely without overpowering its simplicity.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
To make Peasant Spaghetti gluten-free, substitute regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer excellent alternatives made from rice, quinoa, or chickpeas that cook similarly and maintain the dish's flavor profile.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).