What to do in isolation? Part 2

Stay at home dude: We are since 2 weeks in isolation and really enjoying the sun on our balcony. Nights are still cold but now is the perfect time to grow some tomato and cucumber plants. To give the plants perfect conditions, I use two Flex mini led lights which I do not use for my aquascape at the moment. I installed them on a small aluminium rail which is attached to a small wooden angle. I use two small green houses from Elho which are cheap and have a good ventilation system.

The light is on for 12 hours per day and after 2 weeks I count over 200 small plants.

I will start singling the plants now and plant them into small pots. As the amount of plants is so big, I will share them with our neighbours. Who knows how much longer the isolation stands, at least we will have plenty of tomatoes and cucumbers. Stay healthy and stay at home! Your stayathomedude.

Spaghetti with white beans and paprika

Hi Dudes,

today was the first sunny and warm day in 2015 in Amsterdam – spring is definitely coming! Will be the last spring we spend in our flat in the beautiful de Pijp. Our landlords are moving back in and so we have to move out pretty soon. Therefore we are looking for a new apartment to rent in Amsterdam. If you know somebody, who might know somebody just send me a message.

The dish today is a real stay-at-home-dude girlfriend classic! Its our own creation and we prepared it so many times, but I never shared it. Try to get some fresh squid spaghetti if possible, so you can enjoy the real flavor! We have a nice fresh pasta place called “Il Pastificio” around the corner. It offers one of the best pastas I have ever tasted. If you are living in Amsterdam this is a must! This time they did not had any squid pasta, therefore we bought normal spaghetti. Serve the dish with dry Verdejo white wine and enjoy. Tastes like sun!

For 2 people you need:

PREP:  5
COOK: 20 min
LEVEL: easy


Fresh (squid) spaghetti /  250 g
Large white beans / 1 can 
Canned tomatoes / 1 can, high quality
Green paprika /  1
Red onion / 1 medium
Garlic / 1 clove
Olive oil / 3 tablespoons
Sea salt / a pinch
Pepper / a pinch

Optional: 
Fresh flat parsley / 2 tablespoons
Parmesan


Preparation:

1. Bring 3 – 4  liter salted water to a boil in a large pot. 
2. Meanwhile chop the onions and garlic and cut the green paprika in 1 x 1cm large squares. Strain the white beans. 
3. Take a large pan, add 3 tablespoons of olive oil and brown the paprika together with the onions for 5 min at medium heat.  Add garlic, the canned tomatoes and the large white beans. Let it simmer for another 10 min at low heat. Spice the sauce with pepper and sea salt. 
4. Cook the spaghetti in the large pot al dente and strain them. 
5. Take two large plates, add the spaghetti and cover it with sauce. Decorate with flat parsley 
Serve and Enjoy!
Your stay-at-home-dude.