28 May 2013

Empty Your Fridge with Spaghetti con Salsa


Spaghetti con Salsa
Have you ever plugged the ingredients that you have on hand into the computer to see what recipes it comes up with? In an effort to decrease waste and use up what I have, without making a trip to the grocery store middle of the week, this is one recipe I came across. I had tomatoes, arugula, basil and ricotta salata and a hankering for summer to stick around. A tempting combination of marinated tomatoes, basil and arugula makes a fast uncooked pasta sauce that appeals to me when it's hot outside and my appetite is diminished. Simple, flavourful and on the table in 10 minutes since you have been marinating the tomatoes beforehand.

Thank goodness for all the many greenhouses here on the coast for tasty tomatoes this time of year. Of course you could wait for sun-ripened tomatoes because I know this will be even better in season, but if you are impatient like me, why wait!!


**Spaghetti con Salsa**

1½ pounds ripe slicing tomatoes, peeled and seeded, then thinly sliced
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small shallot, finely minced
A pinch of hot pepper flakes
Salt
1 pound spaghetti
1 large handful of baby arugula
1 small handful fresh basil, thinly sliced
1/2 cup ricotta salata cheese, coarsely grated

In a large serving bowl, combine the tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, shallot,  chili flakes, and salt to taste. This step can be done a few hours ahead. Keep at room temperature.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions.

Put the arugula in the serving bowl with the tomato salsa. Drain the pasta and add it to the bowl along with the cheese. Toss until the arugula wilts slightly, then serve immediately. Top with more cheese and basil if desired.

Serves 4 - 6

You are reading this post on More Than Burnt Toast at http://morethanburnttoast.blogspot.com. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to the author/owner of More Than Burnt Toast. All rights reserved by Valerie Harrison. Best Blogger Tips

20 comments:

  1. This sounds so fresh and delicious! I almost always have these ingredients on hand. Can't wait for the "real" tomatoes though! :)

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  2. Sounds perfect..we eat variations of this..but never this exact one..Thank you.

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  3. A delightful dish! So fresh and summery.

    Cheers,

    Rosa

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  4. I do this 'back of the fridge' method of cooking quite a bit. It makes me feel more virtuous and less wasteful. Don't usually come up with such yummy looking food though. Looks so fresh and summery. X

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  5. Agreed, Val. That vegetable bin does seem to collect things and this is the perfect way to use them up. I do love dinner salads like this.

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  6. LO CIERTO ES QUE APROVECHAR LO QUE NOS QUEDA EN LA DESPENSA O NEVERA...ES IMPORTANTE...Y CASI SIEMPRE CON ALGO DE MAÑA, SE OBTIENEN RESULTADOS COMO EL TUYO.
    ESTUPENDO!!!

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    1. THE TRUTH IS THAT WHAT WE TAKE IN THE PANTRY OR FRIDGE ... IS IMPORTANT ... AND ALMOST ALWAYS SOMETHING MAÑA, RESULTS OBTAINED AS YOURS.
      SUPER!

      Grazia. I aim to reduce waste at least in my own refrigerator.

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  7. I often just throw my leftovers into pasta! It's always a good idea.

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  8. It's like you are peeking into my life (and fridge). GREG

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  9. I'm not sure that what's in my refridg would yield such a lovely dish but this looks wonderful! BRAVO!

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  10. A delicious combination of ingredients. I can wait for garden tomatoes.
    Mimi

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  11. I am constantly trying to figure out ways to use up my fridge/pantry contents!

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  12. For sure its a delicious dish Val. You cannot go wrong with these ingredients...

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  13. Great way to clean the fridge! It looks and sounds really good, Val

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  14. What a scrumptious way to use up leftovers, Val. :-) I have nearly everything on this list. :-) Mmm.

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  15. I love a fresh sauce for a pasta dish...the heat of the pasta warms it up just enough to bring out all the flavors.

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  16. Sometimes the "use up what's in the fridge" kind of dinners are my favorite. If I have some good tomatoes to start with I can't make a mistake.

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  17. One of things I'm looking forward to the most when my tomatoes bear fruit is making fresh pasta dishes like this. But you're so right - why wait!

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  18. Duly noted for when I have proper tomatoes... Although, I admit to buying little cherry tomatoes this time of year. If we don't get some sunshine pretty soon that will be all I have this year... Sigh....

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  19. rocket AND red pepper flakes--this is right up my alley!

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Welcome to my home. Thank you for choosing to stay a while and for sharing our lives through food. I appreciate all your support, comments, suggestions, and daily encouragement.

Val

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