Default Dinner

When ever I find myself not knowing what to make for dinner either because the fridge is mostly bare or my brain just can't think anymore, pasta with a tomato vegetable sauce is my default. I swear I could make this in my sleep. Of course there are about 20 different variations of this that I make but this is the basic recipe.

Put a large pot of water on to boil

While the water is heating, dice 1 medium to large onion.
- red, white, yellow it doesn't matter or hey if you're feeling adventurous how about a few shallots.

Saute in a pan with a glug of olive oil

As this sautes, dice 1 courgette and add to the pan with the onions along with 1 clove finely chopped garlic (or 1 teaspoon of already chopped from a jar or puree from a tube is totally acceptable)

Chop 1 pepper (any colour) and 1 fresh chili (don't touch your eyes)
- but don't add to the pan, just set aside

Right about now the water should be boiling, add your pasta
- I like the whole wheat organic pasta from Sainsbury's, if using this will be ready in 13 minutes once it's all softened and sunk underneath the water

Now add 1 x 390g Sainsbury's chopped tomatoes with basil, chilli & oregano (or something similar) to the onions, courgette and garlic, 1 teaspoon sugar and lots of fresh ground pepper. Taste for salt, I'm not a big salt user but usually find 2 or 3 twists of the salt grinder are enough.

Bring to a simmer and let softly bubble without a lid.

When the pasta has about 5 min left to cook then it's time to add the chopped pepper & chili to the sauce. I hate it when peppers are cooked to mush, this way they will still be al dente.

When the pasta is done throw in a large handfull of fresh baby spinach leaves in with it, give a quick stir to submerge and then drain along with the pasta in a collander. Again this cooks the spinach without it turning to slime and gives a nice boost of iron to the meal.

Plate the drained pasta and spinach and spoon the tomato vegetable sauce on top. Finish off with some fresh grated parmesan reggiano, roughly chopped fresh basil leaves and lots of fresh ground pepper.

And of course a glass of good red wine.

Enjoy :)