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Pasta With Fresh Raw Tomato Sauce

Ingredients

1 pint cherry tomatoes or chopped Roma tomatoes
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion*
1 clove finely chopped garlic
1/4 cup slivered fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon balsamic or red wine vinegar
Celtic salt and freshly ground black pepper

8 ounces fusilli or other pasta, whole grain, gluten-free or sourdough

 

Preparation

Cut cherry tomatoes in half or quarters, depending on their size. You want the pieces to be relatively the same size. Combine in a bowl with red onion, garlic, basil, olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper to taste. Allow to stand while pasta cooks.

Cook pasta al dente according to package directions. Drain and place in a serving bowl and top with raw tomato sauce. Garnish with Pecorino Romano cheese and crushed red pepper flakes, if desired.

4 servings

*Note: to take some of the bite out of raw onion, first chop it then place in a strainer and rinse under cold water. Proceed with the recipe.

Italian Tuna Bean Salad

Ingredients
1/4 cup red onion, chopped small
2-3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 cup cooked or canned white beans, drained
5 ounces canned tuna, drained
1/2 red bell pepper, roasted and cut into thin strips
1 garlic clove, minced
3 tablespoons chopped Italian parsley (or basil)
1 teaspoon fresh sage, finely chopped
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/2 tablespoon capers, drained
Celtic sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Crushed red pepper, to taste (optional)
Fresh tomatoes, sliced in wedges, to garnish
Sliced romaine or mixed baby greens to serve
Preparation
Chop the red onion and rinse under cold water in a colander. Place onion in a serving bowl and add 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar. Allow to marinate while preparing the rest of the ingredients.
Add the rest of the ingredients, except the tomatoes and greens. Mix gently. Taste for seasoning. You can add the extra vinegar and adjust other seasonings to taste. It’s also good with a squeeze of lemon juice.
Serve over a bed of romaine or baby greens.
Serves about 3.