Strega Magic Spaghetti
By Myth Woodling
© 2022 Myth Woodling. All rights reserved.
Strega Spaghetti-A quick and easy pasta dish inspired by the children’s book Strega Nona by Tommie dePaola.Strega Nona is the classic children's book about a magical pasta pot by Tomie dePaola, the author, illustrator, and artist. Tomie dePaola passed away on March 30, 2021 at the age of 85, and is one of my personal favorite authors.
Spaghetti Ingredients:
1-1/2 lb. of dried spaghetti
A pinch Kosher salt (optional)
Sauce Ingredients:
1/3 cup of olive oil
3 medium cloves of garlic, crushed
2 tsp. of chopped fresh oregano (or 1 tsp. dry oregano)
1 or 2 small can(s) of tomato paste
Approximately 1 or 1 1/2 tomato paste cans filled with water
Parmesan cheese, for topping
Making the sauce:
Heat the olive oil in a heavy-duty 4-quart saucepan, over medium heat.
Add garlic and oregano.
Cook, stirring often, 6 to 10 minutes.
Now, open the tomato paste can(s), empty can or cans of paste.
Measure one can of water, and add the water (note you may add more if desired)
Cook, stirring constantly, until darkened, for 3 to 4 minutes.
Bring to a boil, and then simmer over low heat, stirring frequently, until the sauce has reduced by about a third. This should take approximately 40 to 60 minutes.
Keep warm and covered.
Making the pasta:
Bring water to a boil, in a medium to large pot.
Add a pinch of salt.
Add spaghetti and cook for approximately 10 minutes
Strain the spaghetti
Add the sauce to the spaghetti. Serve, and enjoy!
(This sauce can also be refrigerated for up to 5 days).