Spaghetti in Tomato-Apple Sauce

Name: Spaghetti in Tomato-Apple Sauce
Yield: serves 6
Ingredients: 3 cups (one 28-ounce can) canned Italian plum tomatoes, preferably San Marzano; 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 2 large stalks celery, cut in 1/4-inch dice (about 1 cup); 1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 cup); 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 pound tart, firm apples, such as Granny Smith; 1 pound spaghetti; 1 cup freshly grated Grana Padano or Parmigiano-Reggiano, plus more for passing; A food processor or blender; a heavy-bottomed skillet or sauté pan, 12-inch diameter or larger; a large pot, 8-quart capacity, for cooking the pasta

By Lidia Bastianich and Tanya Bastianich Manuali

March 28, 2010

Image may contain Cutlery Fork Pottery and Saucer

Photo by Chelsea Kyle

I know you might do a double take at the name of this recipe. But I assure you it is a simple, delightful rendition of spaghetti in quickly cooked tomato sauce. The unique touch comes from shreds of fresh apple, which lend the sauce a lovely aroma and flavor and feel good in the mouth. When I tasted this for the first time in the Val di Non of Trentino, I wondered, Why didn’t I think of this long ago? Spaghetti is my choice of pasta here, but linguine, ziti, or rigatoni would be just as good.

Recipe notes

Chocolate Guinness Cake

A generous glug of stout gives this snackable loaf a malty depth.

Hot Honey–Glazed Salmon

This broiled hot honey salmon recipe results in sweet, spicy, glossy fish coated in a homemade hot honey glaze for an easy weeknight dinner or make-ahead lunch.

One-Pot Chicken Thighs With Cilantro Rice and Beans

This one-pot dinner cooks chicken thighs directly on top of a bed of flavorful cilantro rice studded with black beans for a complete dinner.

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Classic French Vinaigrette

Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Speedy Chicken Stroganoff

This easy, one-skillet chicken stroganoff features tender chicken breasts, savory mushrooms, and a creamy Dijon-crème fraîche sauce—perfect for weeknights.

Cod With Lemon Butter Sauce

A flurry of fresh tarragon makes this speedy weeknight dish of seared cod and luscious, sun-colored pan sauce feel restaurant worthy.