Mediterranean Summer Pasta With Salsa Cruda Recipes

PASTA AND TOMATO "CRUDA" WITH BASIL

Steps:

• Choose very ripe tomatoes. Peel the tomatoes by submerging in boiling water for 30 seconds after scoring the end with a knife and removing the core. Refresh the tomatoes in ice water, remove the skin, cut the tomatoes in half and squeeze out the seeds. Cut them into 1/2 inch dice and set aside.
• Prepare the remaining ingredients and set aside to have ready for the final assembly of the dish.
• Bring the water to a boil in a large pot. Add the salt and reboil before adding the pasta. Cook according to the package directions, about 10 minutes or until al dente. Immediately drain the pasta and place into a large serving bowl.
• Add the oil to the cooked pasta and toss well. Now add the ingredients in quick succession: tomatoes, red pepper, basil, salt and pepper. Toss everything together and incorporate well.
• Top with optional ricotta salata cheese.

SILVANA'S MEDITERRANEAN & BASIL PASTA

Steps:

• To roast the veg, preheat the oven to 200C/gas 6/fan 180C. Scatter the peppers, red onions, chillies and garlic in a large roasting tin. Sprinkle with sugar, drizzle over the oil and season well with salt and pepper. Roast for 15 minutes, toss in the tomatoes and roast for another 15 minutes until everything is starting to soften and look golden.
• While the vegetables are roasting, cook the pasta in a large pan of salted boiling water according to packet instructions, until tender but still with a bit of bite. Drain well.
• Remove the vegetables from the oven, tip in the pasta and toss lightly together. Tear the basil leaves on top and sprinkle with Parmesan to serve. If you have any leftovers it makes a great cold pasta salad - just moisten with extra olive oil if needed.

SUMMER TOMATO-CORN SALSA CRUDA (RAW SAUCE) FOR PASTA

Steps:

• Crush garlic in garlic press or mortar and mash with salt to create a paste. Add the olive oil and mix well.
• Chop tomatoes in 1/2-inch cubes. Add them with juices to garlic mixture in large bowl.
• Use a small, sharp knife to cut the corn kernels from the cob. Add to the bowl.
• Finely chop basil and parsley. Add to bowl, along with lots of pepper. Add chopped jalapenos, if desired. Mix well, cover, and let stand at room temperature while cooking pasta. For the most flavor, let the sauce stand longer (1-3 hours), but do not refrigerate.
• Cook 1 pound of your favorite pasta, drain, and toss with sauce. Serve with freshly grated parmesan or your favorite cheese or cheese substitute, if desired (I don't think it needs any).