Add food_related/pasta_recipes.md

food_related/pasta_recipes.md

@@ -0,0 +1,50 @@
+# Flavor-Packed Cherry Tomato and Basil Pasta
+
+## Ingredients:
+- 250g pasta (spaghetti or linguine work well)
+- 500g cherry tomatoes, left whole
+- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
+- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
+- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
+- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
+- Large handful of fresh basil leaves
+- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
+- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
+- Red pepper flakes (optional)
+
+## Instructions:
+
+1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil for the pasta.
+
+2. While waiting for the water to boil, prepare your ingredients:
+   - Slice the garlic
+   - Zest and juice the lemon
+   - Wash the cherry tomatoes
+
+3. In a large, cold skillet, combine the olive oil and sliced garlic. Place over medium heat and slowly bring up to temperature. This allows the garlic to infuse the oil as it heats.
+
+4. Once the garlic starts to sizzle and turn golden (about 2-3 minutes), add the whole cherry tomatoes to the pan. Season with salt and pepper.
+
+5. Cook the tomatoes, shaking the pan occasionally, until they start to burst and release their juices (about 5-7 minutes).
+
+6. While the tomatoes are cooking, add the pasta to the boiling water and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
+
+7. Once most of the tomatoes have burst, add the balsamic vinegar to the pan and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
+
+8. Add half of the lemon juice and zest to the tomato mixture, stirring to combine.
+
+9. Drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Toss everything together, adding splashes of reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce that coats the pasta.
+
+10. Remove the skillet from heat. Tear most of the basil leaves and add them to the pasta, reserving a few for garnish. Toss gently to combine.
+
+11. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and more lemon juice if needed.
+
+12. Serve immediately, garnished with the remaining basil leaves, a drizzle of olive oil, and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Offer red pepper flakes on the side for those who want added heat.
+
+## Tips for Maximum Flavor:
+- Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking the tomatoes. If necessary, cook in batches to ensure they burst and caramelize rather than steam.
+- The pasta water is key to creating a silky sauce. Don't forget to reserve some before draining!
+- Adjust the amount of lemon juice to your taste. The goal is to brighten the dish without overpowering the other flavors.
+- For an extra flavor boost, you can add a small pat of butter when tossing the pasta with the sauce.
+
+Enjoy your flavor-packed pasta dish!