Garlic
Prep - chop the garlic into very small pieces. I usually use eight cloves, but I love garlic, so you can use however many you like. An easy way to peel the garlic is to smash it first with the flat side of a large knife. To get the garlic smell off of your fingers, run them along stainless steel. Chop the tomatoes if you are using fresh, if not see Step 4.
Step2
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Use a large sauce pan or skillet. Heat over medium for a few minutes and then add enough (extra virgin) olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan. By all means, use a little extra if you like.
Step3
Fresh Basil
Then add the chopped garlic. If you are not sure how much to use, try four cloves. Saute for a few minutes over a low setting. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Then add in about four basil leaves and continue cooking for a few more minutes until the garlic becomes soft. Enjoy the aroma!! This is one of the best scents in the world.
Step4
Now you can begin boiling the water for the pasta. Since it can be difficult to find good fresh tomatoes. I find that the whole, peeled, canned ones work just as well. You can either squish them with your fingers in a bowl and then add them to the pan (messy). Or simply add the tomatoes to the pan and cut them into smaller pieces with a spatula while they are cooking.
Step5
Enjoy!
Now add salt and pepper to taste. I usually add 1/2 of a teaspoon of each. Boil the pasta according to package directions. I suggest Dreamfields pasta, it is a low carb, healthy pasta and it actually tastes the same as regular. When the pasta is almost ready, throw in four more basil leaves. Top with freshly grated cheese.
Tips & Warnings
When you get comfortable with this recipe, you can experiment by adding other ingredients.