We’re skipping town for a few days this week.
I need to nibble on my baby niece. I need to hug my sick Memaw. I need to wish my brother-in-law a farewell as he moves across the world to study abroad, or whatever the cool college kids do these days.
No, I’m not jealous at all, MATT.
So in preparation, I’m purging the pantry and fridge in hopes to clear out as much as possible before we scoot to the loot.
Oh wow you guys, I just looked up “scoot to the loot” in the urban dictionary. We’re, uh totally not doing that. We’re just scooting out of town. To see family. Why won’t I just backspace all this?
Anyway, pasta seems to be the driving force behind all the important decisions in my life, and last night it led me here. The sauce is SIMPLE, with a little heat from the crushed pepper, a little depth from the smoked paprika, a little sweet hint from the honey. It’s the perfect “pantry purge” meal. But if you’re not purging, and you simply want a big bowl of pasta all up in your mouth, let me just warn you: there will be an unhinged jaw or two at your table.
Orecchiette with a Simple Marinara:
What it took for 2:
* 1/2 pound orecchiette
* 1 (28 oz) can roma tomatoes
* 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
* 3 garlic cloves, minced
* 1 pinch crushed red pepper
* 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
* 1 tsp smoked paprika
* 2 Tbs. honey
* 1/4 cup fresh parmesan, grated
* coarse salt
* freshly ground pepper
* breadcrumbs, toasted
In a medium sauce pan, heat the oil over medium-high. Add the garlic and crushed red pepper. Bloom for 30 seconds. Add most of the basil and bloom 15 more seconds.
Whizz the tomatoes in a food processor until smooth. Add to the pot, sprinkle with paprika, reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Right at the end, add the honey.
Cook the pasta until it reaches al dente. Drain and add to sauce. Grate the parmesan into the pan and stir to combine. Taste it and season accordingly.
Serve pasta with fresh basil and toasted breadcrumbs.
Welcome to happiness.
I love a good pantry purge. Unfortunately, mine never look as tasty as this does. Have a good trip! Hugs to your niece (enjoy her chubby cheeks, they’re the tastiest things around), your Memaw. and your Brother-in-law.
such purrrrrrty basil. will be sad when that time is over. i need a greenhouse. NEED. okay, just really want.
i love orichette! mostly just writing it. orichette, orichette, orichette.
p.s. soak up every minute with A-man and save it in your bank. steal his phone if you have to – just don’t tell him i told you to do it!
Yumm! Have a wonderful trip!
I could eat that all day long. Especially if I had some ‘purged’ sauteed shrimp to throw on top!…lol Awesome pics, too
This pasta looks like a total carb-fest-a-licious deal!! Want it all right now. How a blast with your travels
xxoo
Ugh, now there’s just drool all over my keyboard. I am so making this soon.
Those photos are so drool-worthy!!
Have a safe and wonderful travels Bev
looks fabulous! Love the smoked paprika in honey in this!
I just love that I’ve got all those ingredients so I don’t have to haul my lazy self to the grocery store! perfect recipe, as far as i’m concerned!
I love the ability you have of creating simple dishes and making them look like something you would order from a restaurant. This looks delicious!
seriously this is amazing….you are accomplishing the italian “make it work” that i hope to do in my kitchen (oh by the way my kitchen is in italy) but seem to not to be able to….ahhhh TGFBC…thank goodness for Bev Cooks…for inspiration for tomorrow’s dinner!!
This looks heavenly!!
B-e-a-utiful Bev! You are such a food stylist too! Hope you have a perfect trip!
your photography is magazine worthy! quit blogging, get thy work into magazines!!!!!! seriously bev. AMAZING! you should be shooting cookbooks or whatever. it’s just…drop dead.
Awwww, Averie, thank you so much! You make me blush.
I agree! Your photos are amazing!!!! 2nd to last photo!! LOVE HOW YOU CAN SEE THE DETAILS IN THE BASIL LEAVES?? (not too sure… I’m right where you were 7 years ago… still eating out of a cereal box haha)
I love the photos in this one Bev! Especially the first one!
This looks fantastic. I’m going to run to my pantry to see if I have any thing at all to make this. Surely I must! Okay, not running, just walking! Great photos too!
Uhm, yeah. This looks delicious!!
Hope you have a great time away with your family
I love easy recipes like this one! And orecchiette is one of my favorite pasta shapes!
Wow that looks so comforting! L.O.V.E.
Marvelous, just marvelous.