JULY 15, 2009 - PASTA with the FRESH BASIL & TOMATOES

 JULY 15, 2009 - PASTA with the FRESH BASIL & TOMATOES

NOTE: This pasta is really a "Taste of Italy," combined with the plump fresh tomatoes from the garden whipped up in a no-cook garlic sauce which features fresh basil and topped with Parmesan cheese. Make it tonight!

1 pound angel hair,

1 tablespoon salt

½ to 1 cup reserved pasta water

 

2 large vine-ripened tomatoes, cored and chopped, about 2 cups

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 heaping tablespoon garlic, minced, about 4 cloves

1 to 2 cups fresh basil leaves

1 teaspoon coarse sea salt, plus more for taste

¼ teaspoon freshly ground coarse black pepper

¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

 

freshly grated Parmesan

additional olive oil

freshly ground coarse black pepper

1. Use large, fresh firm tomatoes from the garden, core and cut into small chunks. Place tomatoes with juice in a large pasta bowl. Add the olive oil, garlic, basil leaves, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Mix together well.

2. Boil pasta in an 8-quart pot of boiling water with salt added, careful not to over cook. Boil angel hair for only 3 to 4 minutes. Using a pasta spoon, remove pasta right out of the water into the pasta bowl with the tomato mixture.

3. Toss together well adding reserved pasta water to extend the sauce, and keep the pasta moist. Taste and add additional seasoning, or a little more olive oil if desired. Garnish with cheese and pepper. Serves 4.