Pasta with Tomato Paste

Cooking method

1. Step 1:

   

   Gather all the ingredients you'll need. Use any shape of pasta you like — some prefer shells, some penne, and some are big fans of spaghetti. The vegetable oil can be anything, from pricey olive oil to cheap sunflower oil. But since we'll be frying with it, the oil should be refined so it doesn't burn in the pan. Unrefined vegetable oils are very good for you and best suited to dressing salads.

2. Step 2:

   

   First, let's get the pasta cooking. Bring water to a boil in a pot — pasta goes in only once the water is boiling, or it's sure to stick together. Salt the water to taste.

3. Step 3:

   

   Add the pasta.

4. Step 4:

   

   Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally so the pasta doesn't stick. Also be sure the water doesn't boil away — if it does, you can add a little more boiling water. The cooking time is always printed on the package, so study it carefully. The time may also vary depending on how firm you like your pasta; for al dente, it takes a little less.

5. Step 5:

   

   While the pasta cooks, make the sauce. Peel the onion and cut it into small cubes. If you like to feel pieces of vegetable in the finished sauce, cut it coarser; if you prefer a smoother sauce, cut it finer.

6. Step 6:

   

   Heat the oil in a skillet and add the chopped onion.

7. Step 7:

   

   Then the minced garlic. I put mine through a press, but you can also chop it with a knife or grate it on a fine grater. If you don't have fresh garlic, garlic powder works just fine.

8. Step 8:

   

   Fry everything, stirring, until golden. That's about 5–7 minutes.

9. Step 9:

   

   Add the tomato paste. I prefer to use my own homemade tomato paste, but you can use store-bought, or replace it with ketchup.

10. Step 10:

    

    Add salt and sugar to taste. Simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes, then take it off the heat.

11. Step 11:

    

    Drain the pasta in a colander and put it on a plate.

12. Step 12:

    

    Spoon the tomato sauce over the top and serve right away. Enjoy!