There are dishes that tell your story better than words ever could. For me, it’s  “Spaghetti al pomodoro”.
A true Italian classic, often taken for granted, but when it’s done right, it’s pure magic. It’s the dish I always make for my friends. And, of course, every time I say “I’ll cook something special tonight,” they laugh and ask, “What is it this time? Spaghetti with tomatoes?” Yes, exactly that. But somehow, they always end up asking for seconds.

Making it right is all about balance. You need just the right amount of good olive oil, sweet cherry tomatoes, a touch of tomato purée to make it creamy, fresh basil, and plenty of Parmesan to finish.
It’s not complicated, but every step matters. It’s one of those recipes you make by instinct, yet when everything comes together, it fills the kitchen with a smell that feels like summer, even in the middle of winter.

STEP 1

Slice the tomatoes in half, then in half again, so you get four small wedges from each. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil with the garlic over medium heat and let it gently sizzle for about a minute, don’t let it brown.

STEP 2

 Add the tomatoes and the tomato purée, along with a few basil leaves. Let it simmer over medium heat for about 10 to 15 minutes, until the tomatoes soften and the sauce becomes rich but still a bit loose. If needed, press a few tomatoes with a fork to release their juices, you want a silky, slightly juicy sauce, not a thick paste.

STEP 3

Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti in plenty of salted water. Drain it about one minute before it’s fully done, reserving half a cup of the cooking water.
Return the pan with the sauce to the heat, add the pasta, and toss everything together for the final minute, adding a splash of the pasta water until the sauce coats each strand beautifully.

STEP 4

To serve, twirl the spaghetti with a fork inside a ladle to form a little nest and place it neatly on the plate.
Top with a spoonful of fresh tomato, a generous shower of Parmesan, and serve with two slices of bread, for the scarpetta, as we say in Italy, the sacred act of mopping up every drop.

Add a glass of Gratsi Red, and you’ve got the perfect picture of Italian happiness: simple, honest, and impossible to resist.