Wednesday 6 July 2016

Fresh heirloom, or just any kind of Tomato, Basil and spaghetti dinner

Tomatoes are in season and this is a quick and easy way to use some of the fresh bounty you have in your garden! Get the kids involved with the harvest of the Tomatoes, Basil and the shallot! This dish is so easy, quick and fun to make as a family! Also great for one person families! Make an easy salad to go with this yummy dish and viola!

Fresh Heirloom tomatoes with easy made-from-scratch pasta prepared using a pasta maker. Choose heirloom tomatoes in a  variety of colors for the prettiest presentation.



Prep time 10 minutes
Cook time 20 minutes
This recipe was inspired by Williams Sonoma. I have changed a few things, added Romano cheese. Cheese is just a little added niceness to this dish! Thank you for your support and happy cooking!
                                                 




  • For the Pasta:
  • 3 1/4 cups (1 lb./500 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 eggs
  • 6 Tbs. water

  • For the sauce...
  • 3 Tbs. olive oil
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes
  • 2 Tbs. chopped shallots
  • 2 tsp. minced garlic
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes
  • 2 plum tomatoes, grated
  • 1/2 cup (4 fl. oz./125 ml) white wine
  • 2 Tbs. unsalted butter
  • 2 heirloom tomatoes, cut into bite-size wedges
  • 1/4 cup (1 oz./30 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 1/4 cup (1/2 oz./15 g) chopped fresh basil
  • 1/2 C Grated Romano cheese
  • (Note, for a faster dinner, you certaintly can use store bought pasta. But the fresh made is so good! If you dont have a pasta maker, just make the dough, and cut into thin strips!!!!)

Directions

Using a pasta maker fitted with the spaghetti die, use the flour, eggs and water to make spaghetti according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

While the pasta is being made, bring a large pot two-thirds full of salted water to a boil over high heat.

Meanwhile, in a large sauté pan over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the cherry tomatoes and sauté until slightly wilted, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer the cherry tomatoes to a bowl. Add the shallots, garlic and red pepper flakes to the pan and sauté until the shallots are translucent, about 2 minutes. Add the grated plum tomatoes and wine and cook until the liquid is reduced by half, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the butter and cook until the butter is melted and the mixture is reduced slightly, about 2 minutes. Add the heirloom tomatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until warmed through, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and cover to keep warm.

Cook the pasta in the boiling water until al dente, 2 to 3 minutes. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup  
of the pasta cooking water. Add the pasta, cherry tomatoes and Parmesan to the sauce and toss, adding the reserved pasta water as needed. Season with salt and pepper, sprinkle with the basil, Romano cheese and serve immediately. Serves 4.