FRIED CABBAGE WITH BACON, ONION, AND GARLIC

Ingredients:

  • 500g spaghetti or your favorite pasta
  • 200g bacon, diced
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 400g canned diced tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Pasta: Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water for later use.
  2. Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet.
  3. Sauté Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet with the bacon fat, add the olive oil and heat over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.