Saul's Kitchen Foray

Sammy came home later than usual, afraid that he was running late for dinner. Found parking spot, rushed in and ... house was quiet, no scent of garlic or bacon wafting, absolutely still. It was 6:30 and Saul was not home. Sammy sent him a text message: Sammy is waiting for his pasta... Came the response shortly: "Tell Sammy that I did not invite him! Bummer, no dinner then, huh?

It was a warm evening, but it was slightly breezy and soon, I just couldn't resist the urge to nap. I woke up at 8:00 p.m., with no dinner in sight. I went to my room and soon heard a rush of footsteps! Roommate was home. The clatter and banging in the kitchen continued for about ten minutes and when I peeked into the kitchen, there he was, my best friend, owning up to the promise to cook! He only promised pasta with his favorite sauce, and there it was, all done in a flurry!

Saul's pasta sauce recipe was inspired by my own homemade pasta sauce from ages ago. He remembered the recipe, but prepared it with a slight twist, a spicy twist at that. The recipe is traditional Italian ragu with bits of flavorful bacon and spiked with jalapeno. Overall, it was a delightful supper. The pasta went well with a generous glass of Sonoma Cab. Uncomplicated but hearty and filling. Enjoy!

Ingredients:
1/2 lb bacon, cut into 1 inch strips
3 cloves garlic
1 medium white onion, minced
2 medium Roma tomatoes, diced
1 jalapeno pepper, diced
3/4 cup whole manzanilla olives, drained
1 25 oz bottle of basil tomato marinara sauce or good quality bottled tomato/pasta sauce
1 lb. fettuccine, prepared according to instructions

Preparation:

Boil a quart of water, and add a generous amount of sea salt, a clove of garlic and a quarter piece of onion. Add fettuccine and cook according to box instructions. Remove from heat when pasta reaches al dente consistency, and drain.

Heat bacon in pan and cook until fat is rendered and bacon is golden brown but not totally crisp. Remove from pan and drain fat. Set aside.

Scoop two tablespoons of bacon fat back into the pan, and add chopped garlic, onions, tomatoes and jalapeno peppers, Saute for 5-7 minutes until onions are translucent and jalapeno pepper strips are slightly tender. Add bacon bits, manzanilla olives and pasta sauce. Add a cup and a half of water if desired. Simmer for 10 - 15 minutes until sauce is is slightly reduced and thicker. Simmer until you achieve your desired consistency, and remove from heat. Set aside.

Pour sauce over pasta. Add freshly cracked black peppers and sea salt as desired. Serve immediately. This recipe serves four persons generously.