Fresh Tomato Basil Topping Recipes

LOTS OF FRESH BASIL TOMATO SAUCE

Steps:

• In a large pot boil water, add salt and cook pasta al dente.
• While water is boiling, in a large pan add olive oil, garlic, can of tomatoes, oregano, salt, hot pepper flakes, fresh chopped basil and water, cook on medium heat until thickened.
• Add the drained cooked pasta and half a ladle of pasta water, raise the heat and while gently stirring constantly, cook for approximately 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Serve immediately with chopped fresh basil and grated Parmesan Cheese. Enjoy!

TOMATO AND BASIL PASTA SAUCE

Steps:

• Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat; cook the onion and garlic in the hot oil until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir the tomatoes, red pepper flakes, vinegar, and sugar into the onion and garlic mixture; bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer until the flavors blend to your liking, 45 to 60 minutes. Stir the basil into the sauce; season with salt and pepper.

PIZZA WITH FRESH TOMATOES AND BASIL

Steps:

• Position 1 oven rack in the center and the second rack on the bottom of the oven and preheat to 450 degrees F. Sprinkle the cornmeal over 2 rimless baking sheets. Roll out each piece of Pizza Dough into a 10 to 11-inch-diameter round. Transfer 1 dough to each prepared baking sheet.
• Drizzle 2 teaspoons of oil over each Pizza Dough. Sprinkle the mozzarella over the Pizza Dough, dividing equaling and leaving a 1-inch border around each pizza. Arrange the tomato slices in a single layer over the cheese. Sprinkle with the Parmesan. Arrange basil leaves on top, drizzle with a little more olive oil and sprinkle garlic all over. Bake the pizzas until the crusts are crisp and brown on the bottom and the cheese is melted on top, about 15 minutes. Drizzle 1 teaspoon of oil over each pizza. Sprinkle with basil for garnish and salt. Cut the pizza into wedges and serve immediately.
• Mix the warm water and yeast in a small bowl to blend. Let stand until the yeast dissolves, about 5 minutes. Mix the flour and salt in a food processor to blend. Blend in the oil. With the machine running, add the yeast mixture and blend just until the dough forms. Turn the dough out onto lightly floured surface and knead until smooth, about 1 minute. Transfer the dough to a large oiled bowl and turn the dough to coat with the oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and set aside in a warm draft-free area until the dough doubles in volume, about 1 hour. Punch the down dough and divide into 2 equal balls. (The dough can be used immediately or stored airtight in the refrigerator for 1 day.)

FRESH TOMATO TOPPING

Steps:

• Chop tomatoes into small pieces, place in bowl. Add minced garlic and shallots. Put basil and parsley into a food processor, pulse until just chopped. Add to tomato mixture. Add lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper to tomatoes. Season to taste. Will keep, refrigerated overnight. Serve at room temperature.

SPAGHETTI WITH FRESH TOMATO AND BASIL SAUCE

Steps:

• Blanch the tomatoes and remove the skins. Cut in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Cut the tomatoes crosswise. Set aside in a bowl.
• Heat 3 ounces olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat until it smokes slightly. Add tomatoes, salt, pepper and crushed red pepper. Since the tomatoes will reduce and the salt will be concentrated, it is better to season initially with a lighter hand.
• Chop the tomatoes with a potato masher until they are in fine chunks and all their liquid is released. Be sure they are chopped and crushed fine, for a semichunky sauce. Simmer for 25 minutes over medium heat.
• While the sauce simmers, heat the water for the pasta. Cook the spaghetti in salted water about half of the way cooked. Drain, reserving some of the water.
• Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Add the pasta to the sauce and cook over medium-high heat until all the liquid is absorbed and the pasta is al dente. If the sauce is over-reduced, use the pasta cooking liquid to adjust it.
• At the last moment, remove the pan from the heat; add the extra-virgin olive oil, butter, basil and cheese. Mix thoroughly until the pasta is an orangy color. Taste again and adjust the salt if necessary. Remove to a platter. Serve.

NO-COOK FRESH TOMATO SAUCE

Steps:

• Place tomatoes in a large bowl; stir in basil, oil and garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let stand at room temperature until juices are released from tomatoes, 30-60 minutes, stirring occasionally., Serve with hot pasta. Sprinkle with cheese.