End of Summer Recipe Series #1 - Summer Pasta

Summer Pasta is a dish my Mom and Aunt have made for years, and its the ONE recipe that I don't need a recipe for - my own signature dish!

For posting purposes I will try to give you exact amounts, but I typically just do this by sight/feel. This is one of the simplest yet tastiest dishes and it is so easy to make.

 

What you need:

  • Large pot

  • Casserole dish

  • 1 package linguine (freshly made if you can get it)

  • 6-8 medium, ripe vine tomatoes

  • 1 wedge soft brie cheese

  • large bunch fresh basil

  • 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

  • salt and pepper

  • minced garlic - about a teaspoon

How to make:

  • Sauce first!! Prep by washing your basil and tomatoes thoroughly. Tomatoes should be cut into 1/2 to 1 in cubes, and basil should be shredded. (I roll up a bunch of basil leaves in one larger leaf, then cut them in 1/2 cm "slices").

  • Throw cut tomatoes and basil into the casserole dish, and pour the olive oil over them. The key is to get all the items marinating together for as long as possible.

  • Next, pull apart the brie cheese and add to the sauce, with the teaspoon of garlic. I try not to stir too vigorously so the sauce remains "clear" yet chunky, but make sure the tomatoes, garlic and basil are all covered together in the oil.

  • Season the entire casserole with salt and pepper. You can always add more, but I am pretty generous with both of these.

  • Next, cover and let the sauce sit out for at least 2-3 hours. I usually do 2 hours out of the fridge, then the rest of the time in it, until its dinner time!

  • When you are ready to eat, cook the linguine until it has a nice al dente texture.

  • While the pasta is still hot (and the sauce is cold), mix them together. I try to fold the pasta into the sauce in layers so you can choose your sauce to pasta ratio, and this dish should be served at the temperature it is right then - the hot pasta will melt the cheese a bit, but it shouldn't be steaming hot.

  • Add any more seasonings to taste, and ENJOY.

This pasta is so great leftover as well, with just a bit of re-heating.  I hope you love it!!!

xo,