What a year! All of us at Spoleto Study Abroad have greatly missed welcoming to Spoleto the many students and adults who attend our summer programs. We cannot wait for next summer, when hopefully our programs can resume with gusto, and we can share just how special Spoleto, Italy is with so many people.

Until then, as we all surely long to travel, we want to bring a small taste of Italy to you. Try this delicious and simple recipe for fresh tomato sauce (only 5 minutes of cooking!) and let us know what you think!

Fresh Tomato Sauce (serves 2-3)

500 gr or 1 lb San Marzano or plum or cherry tomatoes (we prefer San Marzano)

2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 garlic clove, finely chopped or mashed with a garlic press
5 basil leaves
300 g or 10 oz pasta (spaghetti or fettucine would work best)
A pinch each of sugar and salt

If using plum or San Marzano tomatoes, pop in the microwave or in boiling hot water until the skin splits. Peel and chop roughly. If using cherry tomatoes, chop each into two to four pieces. Using a shallow pan, sautée the garlic in olive oil over low heat. Do not brown the garlic. Add some chile pepper if you want a spicy sauce. Increase heat, add tomatoes, and sautée until they are warmed through. Sprinkle with a pinch of sugar and salt. Switch heat off and add basil leaves. Meanwhile cook the spaghetti until al dente, strain, and transfer the pasta in the pan that holds the sauce. Turn on the heat and quickly stir so that the juice of the sauce is partly absorbed by the pasta. Drizzle 1-2 tablespoons olive oil and serve with parmesan or pecorino cheese on the side.

Enjoy!