Weekend eats: Tomato and Garlic Pasta and Mushroom Bruschetta

Italian cuisine is known to be one of the most popular in the world. It's main characteristics is it's simplicity, many of their dishes have only four to eight ingredients. They are more particular on the quality of the ingredients rather than the elaborate preparation. Italian cuisine is also well known for its use of a diverse variety of pasta. Pasta include noodles in various lengths, widths and shapes.  Olive oil is also an essential food ingredient in Italy.


After the scrumptious foods we had during the Holidays, I decided to share these light and healthy recipes that you can make in less than 30 minutes.

Mushroom Bruschetta

Ingredients:

Extra Virgin Olive oil

300 grams Fresh mushroom, sliced

 (shitake, portobello, button, etc...)

3 gloves Garlic (2 chopped, other one cut in half)

1/2 tsp. thyme (dried or fresh)

1/2 tsp parsley

salt and pepper, to taste

1 tbsp butter

juice of the end of a lemon

2-3 tbsp water

baguette, sliced and toasted

Procedure:

1.  heat pan, put olive oil.  Saute mushroom, then add garlic, thyme and salt and pepper.

2.  after 3-4 minutes, add the butter and lemon juice and toss.

3.  to make a creamy sauce, spoon over 2-3 tablespoons of water into the pan.  simmer until the sauce loosely coats the mushroom.

4.  toast your bread.

5.  cut a clove of garlic into half then rub the toast with garlic.  place the slices on a plate and pile the mushrooms and the sauce on top. 

Bruschetta is an antipasto from Italy, it is usually served as a snack or appetizer.

Tomato and Garlic Pasta

Ingredients:

500 grams Spaghetti noodles, cooked according to package directions

2 cans diced tomatoes

3 tbsps. extra virgin olive oil

5 cloves garlic, minced or pressed

1/2 tsp dried thyme

1/2 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp. sugar

pinch of chili flakes

1/4 cup basil, chiffonade

Parmesan cheese, grated or shaved

Procedure:

1.  cook the pasta in boiling salted water until al dente.

2.  heat olive oil in pan, saute garlic for a minute then add thyme, oregano and chili flakes.

3.  Add the tomatoes and sugar then stir well. lower heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes. turn off heat.

4.  add pasta into the sauce , toss in Parmesan and basil. place in a large pasta bowl then garnish with basil sprigs and shaved parmesan cheese on top.

Note:  you can also use Linguine or Angel hair or even whole wheat pasta to make it healthier.

The blend of herbs lends a magical touch to these recipes, plus they are good, healthy and easy to make. Very simple and does not need many ingredients. You can make it as an afternoon snack, baon or dinner. 

"Tomatoes and oregano make it Italian; wine and tarragon make it French. Sour cream makes it Russian; lemon and cinnamon make it Greek. Soy sauce makes it Chinese; garlic makes it good."