Big Batch of Spaghetti

I was going to try making mi goreng from scratch for lunch, but decided we didn't have enough fresh veges to make it a worthwhile stirfry.  So then I decided I really felt like a big bowl of pasta in tomato sauce.  I set about making a sauce, based loosely on a recipe (see bottom of this post) I found on Pinterest a while ago.  It's almost a version of the vodka cream sauce, but without the vodka.  But mostly, I just made it up as I went along!

Serves 5 - 6 (it makes A LOT!)

INGREDIENTS

1 can whole peeled tomatoes (drained half the sauce they were in)

1 can tomato puree

2 tablespoons tomato paste

a squirt of tomato sauce

1/2 cup strong chicken stock

1 big teaspoon crushed garlic

1 big onion, diced

2 tablespoons oil

2 tablespoons butter

garlic salt (to taste)

oregano (dried or fresh)

basil (dried or fresh)

1/4 tsp chilli powder (to taste)

1/2 cup sour cream

1/2 cup grated cheese

2 tablespoons cornflour mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (to thicken)

spaghetti, cooked according to packet instructions to al dente 

METHOD

• Fill a pot with salted water and cook the spaghetti to al dente 
• Meanwhile, heat oil and butter in a pan, add garlic and onion and saute until tender
• Add chicken stock and simmer for a couple of minutes
• Add drained tomatoes, tomato puree, tomato paste, tomato sauce, basil, oregano and garlic salt.  Simmer for 10 minutes
• Mix in sour cream, cheese and cornflour/water mixture, simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring continuously
• Drain cooked pasta, and stir through the sauce
• Serve immediately, with cheese to sprinkle on top

It certainly satisfied my craving for a big, glorious bowl of spaghetti.  And of course, it's fun to eat!  Even if you do end up with a red ring of sauce around your mouth, like I always seem to! :D  The other good thing is that this dish doesn't sit heavy in your stomach - you feel full, but not disgustingly bloated or anything.  :)

Recipe Inspiration: http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/09/pasta-with-tomato-cream-sauce/