Pasta l'Estate - Tomato Week Part 3
By: Sheri Wetherell
Published: July 30, 2008

In Italy, when the first tomatoes of the season are ripe for plucking, they celebrate summer by preparing this delicious pasta dish. It's simple to make, and tastes like you've captured the freshness of summer on your plate.
This isn't just an ordinary tomato-on-pasta dish. The pasta is served piping hot and the sauce chilly cold, creating a temperature contrast that is both refreshing and unexpected. Once introduced to the heat of the pasta, the flavors of the tomato and olive oil burst with flavor.  
Pasta l'Estate
 Summer Pasta
1 pound angel hair or spaghetti (gluten-free or regular)
	1 pound of tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and finely diced
	1 red bell pepper, seeded and finely diced
	3-4 basil leaves, roughly chopped
	1 small sweet onion, finely diced
	1 teaspoon good quality balsamic vinegar
	1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
	Salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste
Strain the diced tomato (save the juice for tomorrow's recipe!). In a large bowl, add the remaining diced and chopped vegetables, as well as the oil and vinegar. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and refrigerate until well chilled.
Once your sauce is sufficiently chilled, start to cook your pasta in well salted water (a good handful!). Strain the pasta, then place it in your serving dish. Drizzle with olive oil and toss until coated. Spoon your chilled sauce on the top, and serve immediately. Serves 4-6 Buon Appetito!

Comments:
[eatingclub] va...
July 30, 2008

I love this. Keeping the "sauce" cold is a great idea. Whether for laziness or impatience, I find myself not heating up my food when eating with hot rice. I love contrasts in temperature.
Indeedy -- great summery pasta!
Tracy Sarich

nice bowl!
Michele

That's so cool.  I never heard of it before.  It would work out well for the days when you're in a rush to get dinner on the table!
grace

this sounds perfect.  simple, delicious, and beautiful--nicely done.  and since tomatoes are apparently the only thing i'm capable of growing, this'll be right up my alley! :)
Melanie D

Wow looks so yummy. The idea of a chilled sauce seems interesting. Though, i don't really like cold foods, i think this one can change my mind.
Thumbbook

I actually prefer my pasta cold, I don't know why, but I do!  This is the perfect dish for me!
Marcella-not-hazan

Nice recipe! Only, it should read "Pasta Estate" as Verano is actually Spanish... :)
Sheri Wetherell

You're right! Thanks for the catch! :)
Carlo

This truly sounds divine. It's right up my alley, with no meat and all. Yum!