Pasta In Tomato Sauce (Italian Cuisine)

          This is an Italian classic dish of Pasta in Tomato Sauce. I usually prepare the sauce before hand and keep it refrigerated so that I can dish out this yummy breakfast / one-pot meal at a short notice. For a non-veg. version, you can add chicken / mutton mince or some sausages. Spaghetti too can be used in place of pasta or macaroni. Either ways, it tastes simply delicious.

• 1 cup pasta, boiled al dente 
• 1/4 cup water in which it was boiled
• 3 tomatoes, pureed
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 tsp. butter 
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tbsp. garlic, chopped
• 2 onions, chopped
• salt to taste
• 1/2 tsp. pepper powder
• 1 tsp. red chili flakes
• 2 tbsp. tomato ketchup
• 2-3 tbsp. cheese, grated

          Heat oil and butter in a pan and sauté the bay leaf and garlic for a few seconds. Then add the onion and stir fry till translucent. 

          Add the tomato puree, salt, pepper, red chili flakes and tomato ketchup. Sauté till oil leaves the sides of the pan.

          Add the boiled pasta and the water in which it was boiled. Simmer for 2 minutes. Serve, garnished with grated cheese.