Spaghetti with roasted tomato sauce and fried zucchini.

Spaghetti with Roasted Tomato Sauce and Fried Zucchini

If you're looking for a delicious and healthy recipe that will delight your taste buds and bring a touch of sunshine to your plate, you've come to the right place! Spaghetti with roasted tomato sauce and fried zucchini is a perfect choice for a family dinner or a meal with friends. This dish is not only simple to make, but it is also full of flavors, colors, and textures. Moreover, it is an excellent recipe to use seasonal vegetables and enjoy a light yet hearty meal.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

- 300 g spaghetti no. 5
- 500-600 g zucchini (about 2-3 medium zucchinis)
- Grated Parmesan cheese, to taste
- 1 kg ripe tomatoes
- 1 large red onion
- Fresh basil leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt, pepper, to taste
- 3-4 tablespoons olive oil

Brief history

Spaghetti is a staple food in many culinary cultures, loved for its versatility. This recipe, with roasted tomato sauce, is inspired by the tradition of using fresh vegetables to create rich and flavorful sauces. Roasted tomatoes add a natural sweetness, while fried zucchini provide a crunchy texture and a subtle taste that perfectly complements the dish.

Step by step

1. Preheat the oven
Start by preheating the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. This will be where the tomatoes reveal their natural sweetness through roasting.

2. Prepare the tomatoes
Wash the tomatoes well and dry them with a clean towel. Place them in a baking tray lined with aluminum foil, making sure to cover them well to avoid losing juice. Bake for about 10 minutes or until the skin starts to crack.

3. Peel the tomatoes
Once roasted, remove the tray from the oven and let them cool slightly. Then, carefully peel each tomato. You can use a small knife to help remove the skin. Cut the tomatoes into cubes or blend them for a smoother sauce.

4. Prepare the tomato sauce
Peel and finely chop the red onion. In a large skillet, add 3 tablespoons of olive oil and sauté the onion over medium heat until it becomes translucent and starts to turn golden. Then, add the crushed or cubed tomatoes, oregano, and 2 cups of water. Let the sauce simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.

5. Fry the zucchini
Meanwhile, wash the zucchinis, trim the ends, and slice them, keeping the skin for added nutrition. In a separate skillet, heat the olive oil and fry the zucchini slices until golden on both sides. Once fried, place them on a paper towel to absorb excess oil and sprinkle with a little salt.

6. Boil the spaghetti
In a large pot, add salted water and bring it to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions, but for 2 minutes less than the indicated time. This trick will help you achieve al dente spaghetti, perfectly cooked but not too soft.

7. Mix everything
Once the tomato sauce has thickened, season with salt and pepper and add the torn basil leaves. Stir and let it cook for another 5 minutes. After the spaghetti is ready, drain it and add it to the skillet with the sauce, along with a ladle of the cooking water. Mix well to combine all the flavors and let it cook for another 1-2 minutes.

8. Serve with style
Once the spaghetti is well coated with sauce, remove the skillet from the heat and add grated Parmesan cheese to taste. Stir again to evenly distribute the cheese. Serve immediately, garnishing with a few fresh basil leaves and, if desired, an extra sprinkle of Parmesan.

Useful tips

- Choose fresh ingredients: The quality of the vegetables will significantly influence the final taste of the dish. Choose ripe, juicy tomatoes and young zucchinis.
- Vary the flavors: You can also add other herbs, such as basil or parsley, to customize the sauce to your liking.
- For a spicier version: Add a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce for a kick of flavor.
- Alternative serving: This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or warm focaccia, perfectly complementing the meal.

Frequently asked questions

- What type of tomatoes should I use?
Summer ripe tomatoes are ideal. You can use Roma tomatoes for a thicker sauce or cherry tomatoes for a sweet touch.

- Can I replace zucchinis with other vegetables?
Of course! Eggplants, bell peppers, or squash can also be added to the tomato sauce to vary the taste.

- How can I store the tomato sauce?
The tomato sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for later use.

Nutritional benefits

This spaghetti recipe is not only delicious but also healthy. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that helps maintain heart health, and zucchinis are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. This is a perfect meal for those who want to enjoy a tasty yet nutritious dish.

Now that you have all the information you need, all that's left is to get cooking! Whether you're preparing this recipe for yourself or for loved ones, it's guaranteed to bring smiles to faces. Bon appétit!