Keep it simple: the most important realization I’ve had this past year. My amazing boyfriend and his incredible Italian family have helped me understand this on a whole new level which is why I’m dedicating this recipe and post to them. They have taught me that simplicity within life, love, family, and food helps us cherish each and every moment and that nothing ever needs to be complicated. Without further ado, and keeping to the simplicity theme, here’s the recipe for an Italian meal that will give you the time to enjoy the simple things in life with the people you love the most.
What you’ll need to make this for you and a loved one
- 3 mini sweet bell peppers
- 1/2 yellow sweet onion
- half bag of spinach
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 3 tbsp Corto brand olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
- Italian seasoning
- De Cecco brand pasta of choice
How to make it
Peppers and onions cooked in good olive oil is a big staple in Italian cuisine. Corto olive oil is preferred as it’s authentic and is what is used in Italian restaurants. After having my boyfriend make them for me this way, I was immediately hooked. This is the hardest part of my recipe, though: waiting for the peppers and onions to cook down. Therefore, snag some vino, put down your phone, have some good conversation, and take time to enjoy the process :)
- Pour glass of wine for self
- Add Corto olive oil to pan with garlic until fragrant
- Add onions, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning and cook until translucent
- Add peppers and cook all the way down (timing may vary from 20-30 minutes but the longer you wait the better)
- Refill wine glass
- Begin cooking De Cecco pasta according to instructions (this is also the best, most authentic boxed pasta you can get in the grocery store (or supermarket as they say in Long Island ;) )
- Add spinach and lemon juice to pan
- Drain pasta and add to pan
- Turn off heat and stir together
- Serve and finish with remaining wine
And that’s it!
Hopefully the simplicity of this recipe will allow you to be present, cook with your heart and give you time with loved ones without all the hassle and stresses of cooking. Just remember to keep it simple- life’s too short for crazy complications.
-MM