Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Chilled Pasta with Cherry Tomato and Basil Cream: A Light and Flavourful Summer Treat
Discover the recipe for chilled pasta with a silky cherry tomato and basil cream – a refreshing and tasty dish perfect for sunny days!
📖 What is it
Discover the recipe for chilled pasta with a silky cherry tomato and basil cream – a refreshing and tasty dish perfect for sunny days!
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ 320g short pasta
- ✓ 250g cherry tomatoes (Pachino variety if you can find them)
- ✓ 50g peeled almonds
- ✓ 60g Sicilian Pecorino cheese, grated
- ✓ 50g fresh basil leaves
- ✓ 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ✓ Salt, to taste
- ✓ Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
📊 Nutritional Information
Dive into the authentic tastes of Sicily with this chilled pasta, enriched by a smooth cherry tomato and basil cream. This dish captures the essence of warm summer days, the fragrant scent of freshly picked basil, and the sweet ripeness of sun-kissed tomatoes, whisking you away to the lush gardens and countryside of the island.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Cook the pasta in plenty of salted water until just al dente, then drain and rinse under cold running water to cool. Toss with a drizzle of olive oil and set aside.
- 2
Wash the cherry tomatoes and halve them. Blend half of the tomatoes with the Pecorino and extra virgin olive oil until you have a smooth, creamy sauce.
- 3
Add the basil leaves and almonds to the blender, then season with salt and pepper. Blitz again until you achieve a velvety, homogeneous pesto.
- 4
Combine the creamy sauce with the chilled pasta and gently fold in the remaining cherry tomato halves.
- 5
Let the pasta rest in the fridge for at least half an hour before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Pecorino.
💡 Tips and Variations
- •
For a richer twist, swap the almonds for pistachios or pine nuts, which add a deeper, nuttier flavour.
- •
Add cubes of fresh mozzarella or yellow cherry tomatoes for a pop of colour and an extra burst of summery freshness.
- •
For a lighter, vegan-friendly version, omit the nuts and cheese, replacing the cream with a basil pesto made without cheese.
- •
Choose short pasta shapes like casarecce or fusilli, which hold onto the creamy dressing beautifully and enhance the overall flavour.
- •
To boost the umami, try adding a pinch of nutritional yeast flakes or a dash of soy sauce – these will deepen the flavour without overpowering the fresh ingredients.
- •
For a gluten-free option, opt for corn or rice pasta, keeping the deliciousness of the dressing intact.
- •
The secret to this dish lies in the freshness of the ingredients and the simplicity that lets every flavour shine.
📦 Storage
- • Store the pasta in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will keep its aromas and texture for 2-3 days.
- • Avoid freezing, as the delicate basil and soft tomatoes won’t fare well.
- • Before serving, give the pasta a gentle stir and add a little extra virgin olive oil to restore its shine and silkiness.
🍷 Pairing
To complement the fresh sweetness of this chilled pasta, try a Sicilian white like Grillo, with its lively acidity and citrus notes, or a Nerello Mascalese rosé for elegance and freshness. Alternatively, a Ligurian Vermentino or a Friulian Sauvignon Blanc would also make a splendid match for this summery dish.
Making this chilled pasta with cherry tomato and basil cream is like bringing a slice of Sicily to your table – simple, fragrant, and utterly delicious. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the flavours of summer, perfect for sharing with loved ones over a light, traditional meal. Do give it a go and don’t forget to share your experience with friends – after all, Sicilian cooking is best enjoyed together!
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