Cooking Spaghetti: A Simple Pleasure

A Personal Touch of Italian Heritage in My Blog

Hey everyone! Today, I want to share with you one of the simplest yet most delightful experiences: watching my mom cook a classic plate of spaghetti. There’s something incredibly comforting and heartwarming about this process, and I’d love to tell you all about it.

Yes, I know this has little to do with the topic of tourism and Rome, but this is a blog where I also talk about "Italian" experiences in general and personal ones, so I hope I’m not disappointing you!

It all starts with gathering the freshest ingredients. My mom always insists on using high-quality pasta, ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and good olive oil. These simple, wholesome ingredients are the foundation of a dish that’s both flavorful and nourishing.

The process begins with heating a pot of water to a rolling boil and adding a generous pinch of salt—her secret to perfectly seasoned pasta. As the spaghetti cooks, my mom prepares the sauce.

She sautés garlic in olive oil until it’s golden and fragrant, then adds the tomatoes. The kitchen fills with the rich, inviting aroma of simmering tomatoes and garlic. She seasons the sauce with salt, a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity, and fresh basil leaves that add a burst of herbal freshness.

Watching her in the kitchen, I’m reminded of the magic of simple cooking. There are no complicated steps or fancy ingredients—just the basics done right. The way she stirs the sauce, tastes it for seasoning, and adjusts it until it’s just perfect is a testament to her love and experience in the kitchen.

Once the pasta is al dente, she drains it and adds it to the sauce, tossing it gently to ensure every strand is coated with the rich tomato mixture. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a few more basil leaves complete the dish.

Sitting down to enjoy a plate of my mom’s spaghetti is a joy that’s hard to describe. The simplicity of the flavors, the aroma, and the love that goes into making it all come together to create a meal that’s more than just food—it’s a comforting hug from home.

Next time you’re in the mood for something simple yet incredibly satisfying, try making a plate of spaghetti. Use fresh, quality ingredients, take your time, and enjoy the process. Cooking can be a beautiful, meditative experience that nourishes both the body and the soul.

Happy cooking! ​