Bear Style Tomato Spaghetti (Print)

Smooth, aromatic tomato sauce with infused basil oil and caramelized onion creates a silky coating for perfectly al dente spaghetti.

# Ingredients:

→ Pasta

01 - 220g spaghetti

→ Sauce Base

02 - 80ml olive oil
03 - 3 cloves garlic, peeled
04 - ½ tsp red pepper flakes
05 - ½ packet (12g) fresh basil leaves
06 - 1 400g can San Marzano tomatoes
07 - ½ large yellow onion
08 - 60g butter
09 - Salt, to taste

→ Garnish

10 - Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (optional)
11 - Fresh basil leaves (optional)

# Directions:

01 - In a small saucepan, add the olive oil. Smash and peel the garlic cloves, then add them to the oil along with the red pepper flakes and basil. Place over medium-low heat until it begins to simmer. Let it infuse for 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat.
02 - Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
03 - Slice the onion in half through the root and peel off the skin. In a large pot, heat butter and a splash of oil over medium-low heat. Place the onion cut-side down and cook for 8 minutes, until golden brown and fragrant.
04 - Add the canned tomatoes to the pot, using a wooden spoon to break them up. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, season with salt, cover, and let simmer for 8 minutes on low heat.
05 - Stir the infused basil oil into the tomato sauce, adjusting salt as needed. Pour in the reserved pasta water and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 5 minutes. Remove the onion halves and blend the sauce with an immersion blender until smooth.
06 - Toss the cooked spaghetti in the sauce until evenly coated. Serve immediately with grated Parmesan and fresh basil, if desired.

# Notes:

01 - This recipe is inspired by the popular show 'The Bear' and features a silky smooth tomato sauce with aromatic infused oil.
02 - The technique of cooking the onion halves in the sauce and removing them adds sweetness without chunks of onion.