Anytime I need something to lift my spirits a wonderful dish of pasta is a great start. And todays’ meal was no exception. Of course I had to rush home so that I would have enough time to make the pasta dish I was dreaming of; A cold pasta salad with fresh mozzarella, small ‘pachino’ tomatoes, fresh basil and some extra virgin olive oil.
I say ‘rush home’ because I had a lot of work to finish up and had to quickly stop to pick up fresh mozzarella before stores close at 1:30. ( I am writing from my office in Italy). But I made it a few minutes before 1:30. As typical Italian approach to life- no one was rushing or running-even though it was 3 minutes till closing and people were still entering the store -albeit in a relaxed pace.
We were getting really hungry it was now 2 PM by the time I got home.
Water in the pot
Pinch of salt in the water
Place gas on
Cut small tomatoes in half
Chop fresh basil
Cut fresh mozzarella into small chunks
Now place fresh tomatoes, fresh basil, fresh mozzarella in bowl. Place penne pasta in boiling water and cook for 9 minutes. Drain. Place in bowl with fresh tomatoes, drizzle with just about 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil and toss gently to coat and mix all ingredients.
Oops, don’t forget the freshly grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese on top. Grate on top of each individual serving…
Ahh, perfect pasta to lift anyone’s spirits. And a glass of chilled white wine like a light Trebbiano goes well and keeps the meal light and refreshing.
After this dish I was revved and ready to get back to the office.
To make my cold pasta salad:
1 lb of 100% semolina pasta
1 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil, cold pressed
1 lb of fresh mozzarella cut in cubes
small handful of fresh basil chopped
8 ounces of cherry or grape tomatoes
pinch of salt
Cook your pasta according to directions and follow my instructions above.
By the way, this is also a light meal to have for a summer lunch or dinner. No mayonnaise, just a light touch of extra virgin olive oil.
It is after midnight here and I am just finishing up for the day.
Ciao for now,
Maria
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