Easier Tomato Sauce Spaghetti

I love to cook the lazy, half-hearted version of foods because I do not particularly enjoy laboring away for two hours to create one meal. There once was an alternate self who loved playing the chef at home, until she felt her efforts were better spent out of the kitchen.

Here is an even simpler version of tomato sauce spaghetti, tried and tested over fifteen times this year.

Boil 1 and 1/2 cups of water on medium heat. Add one teaspoon of olive or grapeseed oil.

When the water bubbles, add dry spaghetti to the pot. I break mine in half before chucking the noodles in the water, so I don’t stand around waiting for the noodles to soften. I hope the Italians do not get offended. I do not expect them to know how to use chopsticks or eat raw fish.

I add 1/2 cup of slivered mushrooms to the water. I love to multitask.

Three minutes later, I pour the liquid into another pot or pan to save for later purposes. I use the lid to hold back the noodles and mushrooms. No, I do not use another tool to drain pasta. My right wrist is stronger after the injury!

I add 1/3 cup of tomato mushroom sauce and 1 slice of smoked Gouda, stir evenly to coat the noodles. I use chopsticks to lift the noodles and mushrooms onto a clean plate.

It is decent, sustainable, and helps me subsist until my next Omakase adventure. Testers of this recipe can consider adding cilantro, parsley, squid, chicken, salmon, or whatever makes them happy.

The mercury in the raw fish I consume supports my brain health. I genuinely believe it increases dopamine and decreases cortisol, for me. The doctors are shaking their heads, but sushi is the key to joy, as long as consumers are not allergic. That would be a dumb way to die.

I live for shortcuts. I memorize communal restroom codes. I utilize student discounts and any promo codes. I am a smart spender who scavenges for any potential reduction. I keep track of restaurant promotions, sample sales, and search for deals, unless it is something I need and cannot debate.

I am not exceptionally frugal in terms of footwear, womenswear, and education, but I try to cut back on other goods.