A few days ago, I walked into the grocery, and there they were: stacks of baskets overflowing with red, ripe Roma tomatoes – tomatoes that actually smelled like tomatoes – for $1 a pound.
So cheap you could buy some to eat and some to stomp.
So, to celebrate, I broke out one of my favorite recipes from my vegetarian college days – Grilled Tomato Linguine – a summery twist on the classic pasta with tomato sauce and cheese.
This tomato sauce is made by tossing the tomatoes with olive oil and thyme and then sprinkling them with salt and pepper before you grill them, either outdoors or using an indoor grill pan. The grilling intensifies the sweetness of the tomatoes, while the thyme gives them a savory balance. Once the tomatoes are soft and charred, I give them a rough chop and combine them with linguine, a little extra olive oil and some finely grated Parmesan cheese.
And then I wriggle into my peasant blouse and stomp tomatoes in the front yard, because this sauce will bring out the Sophia Loren in you.
Be prepared.
Grilled Tomato Linguine
From “Everyday Food”
Serves 4 to 6
- Grilled Tomatoes (recipe follows)
- 1 pound linguine
- Coarse salt
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon salt, and 1 pound linguine. Cook according to package instructions. Drain; return to pot.
- Add oil, Parmesan and grilled tomatoes. Divide among bowls, and serve immediately with more Parmesan.
Grilled Tomatoes
- 3 pounds plum tomatoes, cored and halved
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme, or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
- Heat grill to high. In a bowl, toss tomatoes, olive oil and thyme. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Starting with cut sides down, grill tomatoes until soft and charred, 8 to 12 minutes per side.
- Return tomatoes to bowl; cut into rough pieces with kitchen shears.
[ad name=”space”]
That looks phenomenal! I love simple recipes where just a few ingredients shine.
So simple and beautiful. Can't beat fresh tomatoes on pasta with cheese. Love it!
wow! This looks amazing. My mom has to watch her fat and sodium intake. I've been desparate for things I could make for her when she comes to visit that isnt going to taste like a cardboard box. This definately fits the bill. Thank you!
OMG Ezrebecca, I've had such a lousy, no good day. That bowl of pasta looks like a perfect way to soothe a battered soul. I wish someone would give me a hug and hand me a plate of that right now.
Now THAT is something I could fall in love with. I would never have thought to grill tomatoes! Roast, yes. Grill, not so much. Sounds amazing and you can BET I'll be making this soon!
So jealous of the ripe tomatoes! Was all I could do to find 2 today at the store. I can't wait until the farmer's market starts this weekend!
TOMATOES! This sounds devine! I'm going to make this the next time my sister goes out town (she hates the stuff) and let you know how it goes. Thanks!
It's tomato season – yes!! I need to go to a farmer's market, stat!
I hope there is some video footage of you stomping the tomatoes. Either way, this is my kinda dinner. I hope to score some great tomatoes at the farmer's market this weekend, and I will be sure to reserve 3 pounds of them for this recipe!
Mmm summer has really started huh :-)
so simple and so tasty: great recipe! Cannot wait to cook it!!!!
Yes! I love summer, if only for the tomatoes. Grilled tomatoes and pasta sound amazing.
I grilled tomatoes for the first time last week when I made a romesco sauce. Next time I'll definitely grill extra for spooning over pasta. Like toasted tomatoes, they're really incredibly versatile.
This looks fabulous! I loooove tomatoes – I'll have to give this one a shot!
Sounds great and I am all for anything that brings out the Sophia Loren in me.