Fusilli with Fresh Tomato and Olive Sauce

Fusilli with Fresh Tomato and Olive Sauce Recipe - Italian Cuisine

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Fusilli with Fresh Tomato and Olive Sauce is a delicious and flavorful pasta dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. The combination of fresh tomatoes, olives, and basil creates a light and refreshing sauce that pairs perfectly with the fusilli pasta.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on traditional Italian pasta dishes that use fresh, seasonal ingredients to create a simple yet delicious meal. The use of olives adds a briny and salty flavor to the dish, while the fresh tomatoes provide a burst of sweetness and acidity.

Ingredients

0.25 cup olive oil
1 cup kalamata or other brine-cured black olives, pitted, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
6 garlic cloves, chopped
0.5 tsp dried crushed red pepper
1.5 lb (680 g) plum tomatoes (about 8 large), chopped
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 lb (454 g) fusilli, freshly cooked
1.5 cup soy cheese (I used a combo of soy parm and soy mozzarella)
1 cup chopped fresh basil

How to prepare

Heat olive oil in a heavy large pot over medium-high heat.
Add chopped onion, chopped garlic, and crushed red pepper. Sauté until the onion begins to soften, about 4 minutes.
Add tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir until the tomatoes are just warmed through, about 2 minutes.
Mix in red wine vinegar. Add cooked pasta, soy cheese, and fresh basil. Toss to combine.
Season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer to a large bowl.

Variations

Add cooked chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
Use different types of olives for a unique flavor profile.
Substitute the mozzarella cheese with feta or goat cheese for a tangy twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use ripe plum tomatoes for the best flavor in the sauce.

- Don't overcook the pasta - it should be al dente for the best texture.

- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding other vegetables or proteins to the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Fusilli with Fresh Tomato and Olive Sauce with a side salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to this recipe is to sauté the onions and garlic until they are soft and fragrant, which helps to build the flavor of the sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have fusilli pasta, you can use any other type of pasta shape for this recipe. You can also use canned tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes if they are not in season.

Make Ahead Tips

You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat the sauce and toss it with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Fusilli with Fresh Tomato and Olive Sauce with additional fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a light and crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the pasta in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Fusilli with Fresh Tomato and Olive Sauce contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Fusilli with Fresh Tomato and Olive Sauce contains approximately 60 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Fusilli with Fresh Tomato and Olive Sauce contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Fusilli with Fresh Tomato and Olive Sauce contains approximately 10 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins A and C from the tomatoes and basil, as well as calcium and iron from the olives.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the pasta and dairy from the cheese. It may also contain sulfites from the red wine vinegar.

Summary

Fusilli with Fresh Tomato and Olive Sauce is a balanced meal that provides a good source of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as well as essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Fusilli with Fresh Tomato and Olive Sauce is a simple yet flavorful pasta dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. With a few key ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can still picture the first time I came across this recipe for Fusilli with Fresh Tomato and Olive Sauce. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Italy. My grandmother, Nonna Maria, was renowned for her culinary skills and she had a vast collection of recipes that she had collected over the years.

One day, as I was helping Nonna Maria in the kitchen, she pulled out a worn and stained recipe card from her collection. It was for Fusilli with Fresh Tomato and Olive Sauce, a dish that she had learned from a dear friend many years ago. Nonna Maria explained that the recipe was a simple yet delicious dish that was perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

As she guided me through the steps of making the sauce, I was mesmerized by the aromas that filled the kitchen. The sweet scent of ripe tomatoes mixed with the briny tang of olives was intoxicating. Nonna Maria showed me how to carefully chop the tomatoes and olives, and how to sauté them in olive oil until they were soft and fragrant.

Next, she taught me how to cook the fusilli pasta until it was al dente, and then to toss it with the tomato and olive sauce. Finally, she showed me how to garnish the dish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkling of fresh basil leaves.

As we sat down to eat our meal, I took my first bite of the Fusilli with Fresh Tomato and Olive Sauce. The flavors exploded in my mouth - the sweetness of the tomatoes, the saltiness of the olives, and the richness of the cheese all melded together in perfect harmony. It was a taste sensation unlike anything I had ever experienced before.

From that day on, Fusilli with Fresh Tomato and Olive Sauce became a staple in our household. Nonna Maria would often make it for Sunday dinners or special occasions, and I would always help her in the kitchen, eager to learn more about the art of cooking.

Over the years, I have made the recipe for Fusilli with Fresh Tomato and Olive Sauce countless times, each time adding my own little twist to it. Sometimes I would add a handful of capers for an extra burst of flavor, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition that Nonna Maria started so many years ago. Each time I make it, I am transported back to that small village in Italy, watching Nonna Maria work her magic in the kitchen.

The recipe for Fusilli with Fresh Tomato and Olive Sauce will always hold a special place in my heart. It is more than just a dish - it is a reminder of the love and passion that Nonna Maria put into everything she cooked. And it is a testament to the power of good food to bring people together and create lasting memories.

As I sit here now, surrounded by my own collection of recipes and memories, I am grateful for the lessons that Nonna Maria taught me in the kitchen. And I know that as long as I continue to cook and share my love of food with others, her spirit will live on in every dish I make.