Pasta Con Zucchini e Basil
Clearly, it has been a while since our last post. We apologize. We have nothing to offer except that life has been Busy (with a capital B). But talking about how busy things are is boring. Let’s move on to a topic that is more interesting.
Sliced zucchini
Today I picked my very first sun gold cherry tomato from one of my tomato plants. It was delicious, though a little tart. I suspect I picked it a bit early but I don’t care. I am just happy I got it before the darn chipmunks who have been cheekily plucking my small green tomatoes, eating half of them, and leaving the remaining half to rest forlornly on the driveway. I am not amused.
Zucchini and onions, hanging out
So while it is still a little early here in New England for the late summer glut of tomatoes, we do have lots of zucchini, and lots of basil too. This dish makes use of both, and is quick enough to make even on the busiest night. Light and simple, this dish is best made with super fresh ingredients so the individual flavors really shine through.
Tossing the pasta, dinner time!
Pasta Con Zucchini and Basil
Adapted from World Vegetarian by Madhur Jaffrey
Ingredients:
2 small-medium zucchini
2 tbls butter
2 tbls olive oil
1/2 medium onion, sliced into thin half rings
About 15 basil leaves
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
1/4 cup fresh parsley
1/2 pound pasta such as rigatoni or penne
Freshly grated parmesan cheese
To Make:
Cook pasta in a large pot of lightly salted water until al dente according to package directions. Drain, reserving a half cup or so of the cooking liquid.
Meanwhile, cut the zucchini in half lengthwise. Cut halves crosswise into half moons. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the butter and oil. Once the skillet is hot, add the onion and cook, stirring, until it is soft fragrant. Add the zucchini and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender (about 10 minutes). Chop the herbs and stir them into the zucchini and onion mixture.
Pour the hot pasta into the skillet, top with grated parmesan, salt, and pepper to taste, and toss it all together. Add the pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time to moisten the pasta.
To Serve:
Serve immediately with extra parmesan cheese. Serves 4.
The Wicked (awesome) Whisk 