bohemianwanderer – Fresh tomato pasta is a celebration of ripe summer produce and minimal effort. With a few pantry staples and juicy tomatoes, this dish delivers bold flavor in under an hour. This recipe combines chopped tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and fresh basil to create a light, refreshing sauce without needing to cook it. The result is a vibrant meal perfect for warm evenings or light lunches.
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Start by dicing 800 grams of ripe, firm tomatoes—plum varieties work well but aren’t essential. Add the chopped tomatoes and their juices to a large bowl with 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, and half of the flaky salt. Mash 2–3 garlic cloves into a paste with the remaining salt and stir that into the tomato mixture. You may also include optional extras like olives, capers, anchovies, or chili flakes for added depth. Let this sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes so the flavors can meld.
Meanwhile, prepare the pangrattato if using. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small pan over medium heat. Mash in a tinned anchovy fillet if desired, then stir in 4 tablespoons of breadcrumbs. Cook until golden and crisp, season to taste, and set aside. This topping adds crunch and umami to the dish.
Pasta Preparation and Final Assembly
Cook 400 grams of spaghetti or spaghettini in generously salted water until just shy of al dente. While the pasta cooks, drain the tomato mixture and reserve the liquid. Once drained, return the pasta to the pot along with the reserved tomato juices. Warm it briefly over medium heat, tossing until the noodles absorb the flavorful liquid.
Next, turn off the heat and stir in the diced tomatoes. Toss until everything is well combined and evenly coated. If you’re serving immediately, sprinkle over the pangrattato and tear a small bunch of fresh basil on top. If you prefer to serve the pasta at room temperature, wait to add the basil and pangrattato just before serving to preserve their textures and aromas.
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This dish is flexible and forgiving. Letting the tomato mixture steep longer intensifies the flavor, and the optional additions allow you to tailor the dish to your taste. It’s a simple, rustic recipe that highlights the natural sweetness of ripe tomatoes and doesn’t rely on heavy sauces. Perfect for summer, this fresh tomato pasta is ideal for sharing with friends or enjoying as a quick weeknight meal. It proves that seasonal ingredients, treated simply, can create something truly satisfying and memorable.
