“Let’s have spaghetti Bolognese again kids!” WHAT!!! AGAIN?? I’m sure you’ve heard this before? How about giving your Bolognese a rest and broaden your repertoire with some refreshing new recipe ideas.
Step into any Italian restaurant and you’ll see some familiar words like alfredo, pesto, carbonara and marinara. These basic sauces can dress up about any type and shape of pasta, whether it’s penne, ravioli, spaghetti or linguine. It’s time to bring out the pot and stir-up some delicious new sauces.
Marinara
A basic tomato sauce that never goes out of style. Made from fresh tomatoes, olive oil, garlic and basil, just simmer it all together and you’ll soon have your neighbours knocking at your window begging for a taste of it. It’s effortless comfort food that just takes less than half an hour to cook. Spaghetti rules when it comes to marinara, but of course you can dress your penne or other short shaped pasta with it.
Ragu
Got a carnivore in the house to feed or a bunch of hungry boys? Then turn your simple marinara into a hearty ragu by adding ground meat. Simmer it low and slow so the meat has plenty of time to flavour the sauce. The result is a rich meaty sauce full of flavour and meat in every bite. If you’re lazy to slave on the stove, this sauce can be cooked in your slow cooker. Use wide noodles like tagliatelle or fettuccine to pair with it.
Carbonara
Junk your calorie count for the day if you’re attempting this sauce. Carbonara is a white creamy sauce made with eggs, cheese and bacon. Combine it all to create a glossy, gloriously rich pasta sauce that pairs well with spaghetti, penne or fusilli. Add some vegetables (to reduce your guilt) and garlic to enhance the flavours.
Pesto
For a whole new taste, colour and texture, try the pesto, though you might see your kids go cringe with the colour. Pesto is made up of garlic, basil leaves, parmesan, pine nuts and olive oil. Blend it all in your food processor and… voila! You have pesto. Pair it with spaghetti and garlic bread for a lazy Sunday lunch, dress up your pizza or chicken salad sandwich for that extra nutty flavour.
Brown butter
Looking for something really simple yet flavourful? Brown butter is the savior when it comes to those lazy days when you just want something to keep that growling tummy quiet. Just grab some butter and a saucepan and you’ll have a fragrant, nutty and decadent pasta in an instant. Simply melt butter in your saucepan and cook until it has a toasted brown hue. Top it off with shaved parmesan for added punch.