We are in the midst of summer. The local farms and gardens are so hot they are blushing red. That's right, it's tomato season!
You'll see a bounty of Beefsteak, a plethora of Plum, oodles of Heirloom, and ridiculous amounts of Roma. Word on the vine is that tomatoes are haute this season because they contain high amounts of lycopene which help keep your skin looking youthful. So grab some big, juicy, voluptuous tomatoes and give them a good squeeze.
Hot Tomato Pasta Rustica
8 medium organic tomatoes, sliced
4 stalks celery, finely diced
1/2 cup diced onion
4 cloves "spanked" garlic (Spanked? What? Click here)
1/4 cup basil ribbons
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp red wine
1/2 tbsp red pepper flakes
1 tsp salt
Lubricate a pot or deep pan with your olive oil and heat things up on medium-high. Sautee your diced onion, "spanked" garlic, and your finely diced celery till the onion is sweaty and translucent. Then add your sliced tomatoes and cook a few minutes more, stimulating them with your spatula to release their juices.
Once the tomatoes have loosened up, add the basil ribbons, red wine, red pepper flakes, and salt. Lower the heat and let them simmer for about 40 minutes. This is a great time to start cooking your favorite pasta to go under this saucy wench.
After 40 minutes give her a taste and add more salt or pepper or wine if desired. Now call up your summer fling and present them your spicy red noodle.