Easy Spaghetti

This dish is an old go to, so old I had to make it to remind myself of what usually goes in. (Being on autopilot can be a wonderful thing at times!) It's a delightfully easy way to make a meal fairly quickly, and has been a staple for me most of the places I've lived. It can be made vegetarian/vegan easily, or beefed up (literally) as fancy takes one.

I'm sure plenty of people have similar recipes, but this is as much a reminder for me (should I somehow forget!) as it is something to share. If you do give it a try, I do hope it brings you as much warming comfort as it does me!

Easy Spaghetti

(4 servings)

Ingredients

2 tablespoons of olive oil (if desired)

450g / 1lb of ground beef (if desired)

1 medium onion (chopped)

5 cloves of garlic (crushed/minced)

600ml / #oz of pasta sauce*

1 teaspoon of bouillon powder

Dried herbs** (to taste)

Red pepper flakes (to taste)

540ml / 19oz can of drained/rinsed kidney beans (if desired)

1/4 cup of the pasta water

1 teaspoon of sugar (as needed)

375g / 13oz of spaghetti***

Grated parmesan (to garnish)

*I generally buy something with garlic, basil, et cetera, but - again - to each their own.

**I usually put basil and parsley, but oregano, rosemary, and a host of others make appearances depending on what's on hand and what I'm craving.

***This is one box of spaghetti where we live at the moment. I love the flavour and texture of whole grain spaghetti, but use what you've got! Cook as directed or preferred. Adjust the amount as needed of course - I generally am cooking for two and freezing the extra sauce, so I usually only use half a box.

Directions

1) If you're wanting a vegan or fasting dish, then heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. If you're cooking with beef, then skip the oil and add the beef to the pan once it's hot.

2) Once the pan is hot add the onion and sauté until soft.

3) Stir in the garlic and continue sautéing for another minute or two.

4) Add the pasta sauce, bouillon, herbs, red pepper flakes, and kidney beans (if you're skipping the beef), reduce the heat to low or medium-low, and simmer for a few minutes.

5) Once the sauce is simmering prepare the spaghetti as desired. Once it's been cooking for a few minutes steal some of the pasta water to add to the sauce.

6) Once the spaghetti is close to being done give the sauce a taste and add whatever amount of sugar feels necessary to you. (Some brands of pasta sauce are well balanced, but on occasion they can be rather acidic.) 

7) Serve everything is, with grated parmesan, extra pepper flakes, et cetera, and enjoy!