Classic French Spaghetti Bordelaise

Ingredients

• 8 ounces (225g) spaghetti 8 ounces (225g) spaghetti
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 shallot, finely chopped 1 shallot, finely chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 cup (240ml) Bordeaux wine 1 cup (240ml) Bordeaux wine
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• Salt and black pepper, to taste Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 55g, 2g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 3g
• 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, chopped shallot, and red pepper flakes. Sauté until the shallot becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
3. 3.
   Pour in the Bordeaux wine and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes to allow the alcohol to evaporate and the flavors to meld.
4. 4.
   Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the spaghetti to absorb the flavors.
5. 5.
   Stir in the fresh thyme and rosemary. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. 6.
   Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
7. 7.
   Serve hot and enjoy the delightful flavors of this French-inspired Spaghetti Bordelaise.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Bordeaux wine — Choose a good-quality Bordeaux wine that you would enjoy drinking. The wine should have a rich and robust flavor to enhance the sauce.
• Fresh herbs — If you can't find fresh thyme or rosemary, you can use dried herbs instead. However, reduce the amount by half as dried herbs are more potent.

Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, you can add a knob of butter to the sauce just before tossing the spaghetti.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes according to your taste.
• Serve the Spaghetti Bordelaise with a side of crusty French bread to mop up the delicious sauce.
• Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta shapes if you prefer a variation in texture.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day. Simply reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water to prevent the pasta from drying out.

Serving advice

Serve the Spaghetti Bordelaise hot, garnished with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Accompany it with a side of green salad for a refreshing contrast.

Presentation advice

Plate the spaghetti neatly on individual serving plates, ensuring that the sauce is evenly distributed. Sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top and garnish with a sprig of fresh parsley for an elegant touch.