Insalata di Pomodori (Tomato Salad)

This easy, fast dish is usually used as a side to a meat or fish dish. It is very versatile and can be used in various ways. For example you can chop the tomatoes into small cubes and use as a topping for bruschetta, you can add fresh mozzarella and make insalata caprese, you can use as a pizza topping for pizza Sofia and make sure you add plenty of grated mozzarella cheese or you can top some pasta and make a nice pasta salad.

For 4-6 people

1 LB Tomatoes (Salad, Plum, Cherry or Grape Tomatoes)
2 cloves of Garlic chopped finely
1 Tsp Oregano (fresh or dry)
4 Fresh Basil leaves (ripped or cut into 1 inch pieces)
1 TBLS Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Salt to taste
2 Basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Mix well. If possible allow to sit for a couple hours in order for the flavors to come together.

Enjoy with some Italian bread or a french baguette. 

Buon Appetito!

Spaghetti with Italian Sausage

 Meat Lovers get ready for a dish that's going to blow your sock off! The Italian Sausage juices marry with the Tomato sauce to create a sweet and tangy taste explosion.

1 LB Spaghetti
1 LB Italian Mild Sausage
2 8oz. Cans of Tomato Sauce
1 6 oz can Tomato Paste
Olive Oil
2 Diced Garlic Cloves
3 Leaves Fresh Basil
Parmesan

For 4 people

This is a great meal for a slow cooker, dutch oven or a plain ol’ saucepan. For slow cookers adjust time to 6 hrs on low heat.

Place olive oil in saucepan, add garlic and caramelize. Add Sauce and tomato paste. Fill one of the empty cans of sauce with water and add to pot. Cook for about 30 minutes on low heat. Add Sausage and Basil. Cook for 20 additional minutes on medium heat.

Cook Spaghetti according to package directions.

Check sausage readiness by poking with a fork, juices should be clear.

Place spaghetti in dishes and top with Tomato sauce and one Sausage per person.

Add Parmesan.


Optional: If possible serve with a slice of Italian or French bread for dipping in the sauce.

Buon Appetito!