Uncooked Tomato Sauce
An in-season tomato outshines all others at any other time of the year.
Between now and the end of October, heirloom tomatoes are in abundance throughout the New York metropolitan area. And what better way to enjoy them than in an uncooked tomato sauce?
When you make this dish, resist the temptation to throw together everything under the sun. Each forkful should be a reminder of the all-too-brief season — three months out of twelve, where tomatoes get their due.
Penne with uncooked heirloom tomato sauce
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Exact proportions are not important. In order for this dish to be at its very best, the tomatoes should be in-season preferably and close to the peak of ripeness.
Approximately 1 pint heirloom tomatoes*, diced, quartered or chopped coarsely, depending on size
2 scallions, minced
a pinch of sea salt
a pinch of freshly milled black pepper
a handful of herbs, chopped**
good-quality extra virgin olive oil
dried pasta
Prepare pasta according to package directions.
Make the sauce while the pasta cooks. Combine heirloom tomatoes, scallions, herbs, salt, pepper and olive oil in a large bowl. Stir thoroughly so that ingredients are well-blended.
When penne is al dente, drain, then immediately fold into tomato sauce. Toss, taste for salt and pepper, then serve at once.
Time: 10 minutes, including prep.
*A mix of heirloom tomatoes is best — grape tomatoes, cherry and pear tomatoes, in addition to various colors for both visual presenation and appearance.
**Herbs can vary, from onion chives, to mint, celery leaves, torn basil leaves, or Italian parsley.
This is my submission for Presto Pasta Nights #174, a foodblog event hosted by Daphne of More Than Words and organized by Ruth of Once Upon a Feast.
What a fresh and easy way to prepare this dish. It’s the freshness that makes this so appealing! Thank you for sharing this at Presto pasta!
I’ve been all about raw sauces lately. What a great dish!
other than opalka, I would not dream of saucing my heirlooms; They are too delicious by themselves.
So fresh…I love it.
I love your blog!! The photos are just wonderful