Garden Fresh Linguine

Garden Fresh Linguine

1 large zucchini, julienned (see method)

1 C. fresh basil, chopped

1/2 C. fresh parsley, chopped

4 large cloves garlic, minced

1 C. small cherry tomatoes, sliced in half

1 pckg. linguine

1/3 C. good quality olive oil

salt & pepper, to taste

sprinkling of fresh parmesan

 

The key to this dish’s visual appeal, is to julienne the zucchini (thin strips). It looks very nice paired with the linguine. I have a mandolin that will perform this task very nicely (and I wholly recommend one) but you can also use those handy-dandy julienne vegetable peelers. Lastly, you can pain-painstakingly cut the zucchini into very thin strips——turn on some music and pour yourself a glass of wine. Wait, maybe not while using a sharp object! Place a large pot of salted water on to boil. In a large saute pan, heat the olive oil until it just begins to shimmer. Add the garlic and saute only for a minute (don’t let it brown), add the zucchini strips and toss around in the olive oil, and lastly add the herbs. Turn off the heat and wait for pasta to finish. Note that the zucchini and the herbs are barely cooked—-rather, just heated to absorb the flavors of the garlic and herbs. The whole process probably takes only 3 minutes of heat. Drain the pasta, and if your saute pan is large enough, add it to the sauce and toss in the pan, adding salt & pepper. Alternatively, toss in a bowl. Sprinkle the tomatoes on top and shave some fresh Parmesan over the whole thing. Homemade seasoned bread crumbs would be a welcome addition to this pasta dish, as well. We enjoyed this pasta dish for dinner with a bean salad and fresh whole wheat rolls.

 

 

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