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Cooking, Recipe and Food Blog

Alla Checca Pasta

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Alla checca pasta is a delectable pasta dish which can be prepared in a jiffy. All you have to cook is the pasta, toss in the sauce and you are all set. You may add some chili flakes to give the dish some kick.

 

Serves 4

Ingredients:

5 large tomatoes, seeded and diced

6 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup chopped fresh basil

1/2 cup olive oil

Salt to and freshly ground white pepper to taste

2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

1lb. pasta

 

Place the tomatoes, garlic, basil and olive oil in a medium sized bowl. Season it with salt and pepper. Stir. Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap. Let it sit for at least two hours or refrigerate it overnight.

Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions or until it is al dente. Drain well. Transfer it to a large bowl or pot. Add the tomato mixture over the hot pasta. Gently toss. Divide it among individual plates and top them with Parmesan cheese. Garnish with basil leaves before serving.

 

Image from citymama

Sun-dried Tomato Pasta

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Sun-dried tomato pasta is a yummy meatless dish that you can enjoy for lunch or dinner.  Toss in some grilled chicken or other vegetables if desired. You may also add chili flakes if you want a spicier dish.

 

Serves 2-3

Ingredients:

1/2 cup olive oil

1 1/2 garlic heads, finely chopped

500g sun-dried tomatoes in oil, chopped

12 pieces anchovy stuffed green olives, sliced

10 pcs button mushrooms, chopped finely

100g capers in vinegar, drained

1 cup tomato paste

1/2 cup loosely packed basil leaves, chopped

200g angel hair pasta

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving

 

Cook the pasta in a pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions or until al dente. Drain and set aside. You may drizzle it with some olive oil and toss to avoid sticking.

Heat half of the oil in a medium sized saucepan over medium heat. Sauté the garlic for three minutes or until it is golden brown. Add the sun-dried tomatoes, olives, mushrooms and capers. Cook it for another two minutes.

Place the tomato paste in the pan and let it cook for 10-15 minutes. Add the rest of the oil and the basil leaves. Mix well and season it with salt and pepper to taste. Toss in the cooked pasta. Transfer it to a serving plate or individual plates. Sprinkle it with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and serve immediately.

 

Photo Courtesy Of:  Waldo Jaquith

Red Pesto Pasta

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Red pesto is an interesting twist to the usual pesto. The tomatoes and capsicums go perfectly well and the almonds make it tastier. For this recipe I used spaghetti noodles, but feel free to use rigatoni, ziti or even fusilli if desired. A dash of Italian seasoning can also make the red pesto yummier. Grilled chicken would be a perfect match for this delicious meal, although garlic bread is also perfectly fine.

 

Ingredients:

4 red capsicum, quartered

2 tablespoons olive oil

150g semi-dried tomatoes in brine, drained

1/4 cup almonds, skin on

2 garlic cloves, peeled

20g pecorino cheese, grated

500g packet spaghetti noodles

1/3 cup flat-leaf parsley leaves, finely chopped

 

Lightly grease the grill with oil or cooking spray. Place it on high heat and grill the capsicums skin side up. Cook it fir 5-8 minutes or until the skin is black and it blisters. Transfer it to a plastic bag, seal it and let it stand for 5 minutes.

Remove the capsicums from the plastic bag and peel them. Discard the skin. Place the capsicums in a food processor. Add the tomatoes, almonds, garlic and cheese. Pour in 1/4 cup of cold water. Process it for 30 seconds or until the mixture is smooth. Add more water if the mixture is too thick.

Cook the pasta in a large saucepan with boiling, salted water. Cook it according to package instructions or until it becomes al dente. Drain and return the noodles to the pan. Add the red pesto and parsley. Toss over low heat and season it with salt and pepper. Transfer to a serving plate or individual bowls. Sprinkle with cheese and serve immediately.

 

Photo Courtesy Of:  shawnzrossi