Cooking Lesson #746: Crimson Merlot Spaghetti

…from the Perspectives’ Kitchen

How you doin’? You’ll be shocked by the color and the bold flavor of this dish. The best part is that it’s a simple  weeknight-easy recipe—it takes just 20 minutes and a handful of steps.
 
The crimson noodles are cooked in a concoction of aromatics, merlot and fresh herbs, giving them a crimson color and an unexpected depth of flavor.
 
When served, they look like a simple, colorful, nest of noodles with Parmesan and parsley, but they have a lively flavor—garlicky, rich and herbaceous with a pleasing flavor thrill of heat.
 
Crimson Spaghetti is the perfect last-minute date night fare. You can make it with a cup and a half of leftover wine and just a few at home staples and the beautiful crimson noodles and wonderful flavor will surprise and delight every time.
 
Prep time:  15 minutes
Cook time:  20 minutes
Yield:  4 Servings
 
Ingredients 
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for topping
4 teaspoons minced garlic
1 teaspoon medium crushed red pepper flakes
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1" pieces, divided
1-1/2 cups Merlot wine
4 fresh thyme sprigs
2 fresh rosemary sprigs
2 fresh sage sprigs
Kosher salt, to taste
8 ounces spaghetti, dry
1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
 
Directions

1. Heat a medium heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
2. Add the olive oil, garlic, crushed red pepper flakes and 1 tablespoon of butter.
3. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the garlic is very fragrant but not browned, about 3 minutes.
4. Add the Merlot, thyme, rosemary and sage.
5. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered until reduced by 2/3 , 13 to 15 minutes.
6. Season with salt to taste. Reduce the heat to low and cover to keep warm.
7. Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat and season generously with salt.
8. Add the spaghetti and cook for 2 minutes less than the package instructions.
9. Drain the pasta.
10. Remove and discard the herbs from the sauce.
11. Add the drained spaghetti and the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter to the sauce.
12. Increase the heat to medium and bring the sauce to a simmer. Cook, tossing often, until the pasta is well coated and sauce is thickened, about 3 minutes.
13. Taste and season with more salt if needed.
14. Divide pasta among 4 bowls.
15. Drizzle with olive oil and garnish with Parmesan cheese and parsley.

 
ChefSecret:  You can also use an Italian Chianti instead of Merlot.
 
Quip of the Day:  Never underestimate the power of well-cooked spaghetti. It can really noodle its way into your heart.”
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Do you have a question or comment? Send your thoughts to [email protected]. All recipes and cooking tips are posted on our website https://www.perspectives-la.com/covid-19-survival-guide.
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                                                   ©PERSPECTIVES/The Consulting Group, LLC, 2024

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