Idiot Proof Spaghetti

Idiot Proof Spaghetti
(Things to do during the holidays)

I know that some of you say that you are bored stiff staying at home not knowing what to do. So why not pick up a new skill? Cooking is something that you can learn, and it can be quite easy actually.

I must say, I am NOT a great cook...but thanks...some of you who have come over seem to enjoy what I have served you, and really, so far, no one has died of food poisoning. And I remember how one group (of 3 people) polished off a whole pot of sabsuka in one sitting....wow!

Let me say that as a working person, one of the secrets of cooking is to enjoy the whole process of experimenting. To save time, I use bottled or canned sauces, or other pre-mix stuff...but...you must always add 'secret ingredients'. This makes whatever stuff you are cooking actually taste better.

So here's my challenge to some of you there.

Idiot Proof Spaghetti
1.500g minced beef (hey...thaw first...kekekeke don't lump the whole frozen chunk puhlez)...{vegetarians / and non-carnivores,...get yourselves lots of fresh mushrooms)

2. 1 Bottle of Leggos Spaghetti Sauce ( I like mushroom)or the brand of your choice

3. 1 onion (chopped...if you are lazy...just slice)

4. 3 tablespoons olive oil

5. pinch of Italian seasoning (find this at the spice counter)

6. 3 teaspoons of sugar.


How to make the sauce:
a) Heat saucepan. Add the olive oil.
b) Add chopped onions. Stir to 'sweat onions' (meaning - do not let it burnlah!)
c) Throw in the minced beef (or chicken)...stir till meat is nicely browned.
- for vegetarians...this is when you may want to saute your mushrooms.
d) Add the italian season and stir till there is a nice smell...(again...not burnt!)
e) Pour the sauce into the mixture. Add water to the bottle (about half) so as not
to waste the bits...and add. [do not add if you want your sauce thick]
f) Add in the sugar and pray..."God, please let this taste delicious".
g) Let it simmer over a slow flame for about 15 minutes.

Now here is the secret to good pasta. For an inexperienced person, it is tough to get the pasta el dente (just nicely cooked lah). So when you purchase the pasta...go for angel hair, or vermicelli instead of spaghetti (basically, they just differ in terms of thickness). Angel hair works best cos it cooks faster, and seems to absorb the sauce better.

Pasta.
1. Place water in a large pot (big enough to submerge the pasta).
2. Add a dash of salt and oil to the water.
3. When the water is boiling vigorously (there must be bubbles...like jacuzzi),add the angel hair.
4. Work with a pair of tongs, so that you can test the pasta. It will be springy...not soggy.
5. Once cooked, toss the pasta in a colander to drain. "wash' with cold water to stop the cooking process...and drizzle oil over the spaghetti to prevent it from sticking.


You can then serve the food immediately.
Add eggs if you wish and some salad, or top with with parmesan cheese (those who like the smelly stuff).

Try ok? You will not regret it?