Linguine with Raw Tomato Sauce

Discover the simple yet exquisite flavors of Italy with Linguine con Salsa Cruda! This delightful uncooked sauce is a celebration of ripe tomatoes and fresh basil, bringing the essence of summer to your plate. Absurdly easy to make, this raw sauce is unbeatable when prepared with good-quality ingredients. The marriage of juicy tomatoes, aromatic basil, and a hint of garlic creates a harmonious dance of flavors that elevates any pasta dish to new heights. Whether you opt for canned plum tomatoes or prefer to use fresh ones, this Linguine con Salsa Cruda promises a burst of freshness in every bite.

This sauce is incredibly versatile, making it an excellent accompaniment to various dishes. Not only does it complement linguine beautifully, but it also pairs well with fried foods, chips, and even polenta. It serves as an excellent alternative to traditional cooked salsa or relish, introducing the raw essence of the ingredients to your taste buds.

So, let’s embark on this culinary adventure, embracing the simplicity of ingredients and the richness of flavors in this refreshing Linguine con Salsa Cruda!

MAKES: About 4 servings

TIME: About 30 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups roughly chopped ripe tomatoes or chopped canned plum tomatoes, well drained
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, lightly smashed
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
• Salt
• 1 pound linguine or other long pasta
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add salt to taste. Meanwhile, prepare the sauce by combining roughly chopped tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, a dash of salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Add the lightly smashed garlic cloves and half of the chopped basil to the mixture. Gently mash the ingredients using a fork or potato masher, avoiding over-puréeing. Allow the sauce to rest at room temperature for an hour or two, allowing the flavors to meld.
2. Once the sauce has marinated, cook the linguine in the boiling water until tender yet al dente. As the pasta cooks, ladle some of the pasta cooking water into the sauce, thinning it slightly and warming it up. Before serving, remove the garlic cloves from the sauce.
3. Toss the cooked pasta with the raw tomato sauce, ensuring it coats the pasta evenly. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning to your liking. For added depth of flavor, garnish the linguine with the remaining chopped basil.
4. To complement the dish further, serve it with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, allowing guests to sprinkle it over their pasta at the table, if desired.

7 THINGS TO ADD TO LINGUINE WITH RAW TOMATO SAUCE:

For those seeking variations on the classic Linguine con Salsa Cruda, consider incorporating any of these exciting additions to the raw tomato sauce:

• 2 to 4 tablespoons of Traditional Pesto or any herb purée.
• Chopped Roasted Red Peppers to introduce smoky and sweet notes.
• Roasted Garlic to bring out the rich, caramelized flavors.
• Reconstituted and chopped Oven-Dried Tomatoes for intensified tomato essence.
• Tapenade or chopped pitted black olives for a burst of briny flavor.
• Smashed or roughly chopped capers for a touch of tangy goodness.
• Roughly chopped anchovy fillets to add a savory depth to the sauce.

With these creative and mouthwatering additions, you can transform Linguine con Salsa Cruda into a dish that suits your personal taste preferences. Enjoy the symphony of fresh flavors and textures as you indulge in this delightful Italian-inspired pasta dish!