Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Bon Appetite: Favorite Summer Meal

My idea of a perfect summer meal is something that can be assembled in minutes and includes garden fresh produce with lots of color and flavor. Jenn is hosting a recipe exchange today and since I just enjoyed this favorite Summer dish with my family this weekend, I thought it was just perfect timing! I've shared this one before, but I can't help but always go back to it. This Summer pasta dish makes me feel all kinds of happiness inside and it just tastes better when its eaten at my parents' house. (especially when the pasta is homemade)


Juicy garden tomatoes, freshly picked basil and sauted garlic tossed with good olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper tossed on a bed of linguine or paparadelle pasta. You all know how I feel about the tomato basil marriage. This is also the kind of recipe that is impossible to mess up. It really is a perfect summer meal. 




Pasta with Tomatoes & Basil

1 lb. linguine or paparadelle pasta
Several ripe tomatoes, diced into medium sized pieces
1/2 cup fresh basil, chiffonade
Fresh garlic cloves (minced)- I use several, around 4-5, but adjust this to your taste
Good olive oil
Splash of red wine vinegar
Salt & pepper
Romano cheese, for serving


Dice tomatoes into medium sized pieces, and place in a large bowl. In a heavy bottom sauce pan, saute garlic and olive oil (a few swirls of the pan) until soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Pour warm oil & garlic mixture over tomatoes. Add basil, salt, pepper and a splash of red wine vinegar. Let this sit and marinate for at least 30 minutes.


Cook pasta according to the instructions on the package. Drain and toss with tomatoes and basil. Serve with freshly grated Romano cheese. Red pepper flakes kicks it up a notch, too!


Click on over to Jenn's blog hop to find others' favorite summer recipes or share one of your own!




5 comments:

  1. this looks delish and so fresh :o)
    thanks for linking up!!!

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  2. This looks so refreshing on a hot summer day!

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  3. Yum Yummity Yum!!! I guess I know what I'm using the rest of my good olive oil for :-)

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  4. What a summer dish idea! Love the flavor and appetizing appeal. I have to say, this was one of the best reaveal today while browsing for learning about online ordering software for distributors and the title of the post attracted me like spell-bound. After diving into the whole recipe expressions I was so so pleased and felt to have those in the next summer at our home. Thanks Jenn for hosting the recipe exchange and oh, you deserve too.

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