Moldovan-style Tomato and Herb Spaghetti

Ingredients

In this Moldovan adaptation, we infuse the traditional Italian Spaghetti alla checca with the flavors and ingredients commonly found in Moldovan cuisine. While the original dish relies heavily on Italian herbs like basil and oregano, we incorporate local Moldovan herbs such as dill and parsley to add a unique twist. Additionally, we enhance the tomato sauce with a hint of sweetness by using locally grown sun-ripened tomatoes. This adaptation aims to capture the essence of Moldovan cuisine while still honoring the spirit of the original dish. We alse have the original recipe for Spaghetti alla checca, so you can check it out.

• 300g (10.5 oz) spaghetti 300g (10.5 oz) spaghetti
• 4 large sun-ripened tomatoes, diced 4 large sun-ripened tomatoes, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup (15g) fresh basil leaves, chopped 1/4 cup (15g) fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1/4 cup (15g) fresh dill, chopped 1/4 cup (15g) fresh dill, chopped
• 1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped 1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Grated cheese, for garnish (optional) Grated cheese, for garnish (optional)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 14g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 48g, 6g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. 3.
   Add the diced tomatoes to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, until they start to soften.
4. 4.
   Stir in the chopped basil, dill, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. 5.
   Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss until well coated with the tomato and herb sauce.
6. 6.
   Remove from heat and let the flavors meld together for a few minutes.
7. 7.
   Serve the Moldovan-style Tomato and Herb Spaghetti hot, garnished with grated cheese if desired.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Tomatoes — Opt for sun-ripened tomatoes for the best flavor. If they are not available, choose ripe tomatoes that are firm and fragrant.
• Fresh herbs — Use fresh herbs for the most vibrant flavors. If you can't find dill, you can substitute it with fresh cilantro.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, drizzle some lemon juice over the finished dish.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce.
• To make the dish heartier, you can add sautéed mushrooms or grilled vegetables to the spaghetti.

Serving advice

Serve the Moldovan-style Tomato and Herb Spaghetti as a main course accompanied by a fresh green salad and crusty bread.

Presentation advice

Garnish each plate of spaghetti with a sprig of fresh basil or dill to add a touch of elegance. Serve it in shallow bowls to showcase the vibrant colors of the dish.