Easy No-Cook Tomato Sauce for Pasta

prep time:: 10 minutes
total time:: 30 minutes

Makes 2 for dinner, 4 for side

A wonderful healthy and quick tomato dish to use as a topping for pasta. The only thing you have to cook is the pasta! When tomatoes are in season and your neighbors give you a bag full of them, this is what you can make for dinner on a few minutes notice and it’s easy on your budget!

ingredients

2 lbs fresh, ripe homegrown tomatoes (regular, plum, cherry or any combination)
1 tsp salt (sea salt preferred)
2 Tbsp minced garlic
3 Tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1 cup fresh basil and/or parsley, washed and roughly chopped
6 oz Mozzarella cheese, cut into very small cubes
1 pound pasta of your choice (range of 12 - 16 oz package is fine)

directions

1
1. Wash tomatoes, cut out core, and chop roughly (it doesn’t have to look perfect) and place in colander over the sink.
2
2. Sprinkle tomatoes with salt and let sit for 20 minutes.
3
3. Bring pot of water to boil and prepare to cook pasta according to package instructions. (Try to time it so that the pasta is done when the tomatoes are done).
4
4. Meanwhile, put garlic, olive oil and pepper in a small microwavable bowl. Cover with a paper towel to prevent splattering and microwave on high for 1 minute and then set aside to cool.
5
5. Chop the mozzarella into fine cubes.
6
6. In large serving bowl combine tomatoes, oil mixture, fresh herbs and cubes of mozzarella.
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6. Add hot cooked pasta of your choice and mix well. Serve.
8
7. To make a heartier meal, add cooked chicken in cubes, slices or shredded. Leftover beef or fish can be used as well.
9
8. This dish is also great as a cold pasta salad to bring to a party or as a side dish either warm or cold.

notes

The key to this recipe is using fresh, local tomatoes that are really red and tasty -- try different varieties. Experiment with different types of pastas, meats or tofu as add-ins. Try Thai or purple basil for something a little different. Enjoy!

Source: Elizabeth Paup Schlier