The heat is on, again. Too hot to cook and if the truth be told, too hot to really feel like eating anything.
After days of salads and fruit or smoothies we were feeling like have a proper meal but heaven knows no one wanted to stand over a burner today.
My husband makes a mean Pasta Fredda so I suggested (read pleaded) that he make it for us today.
It isn’t really a no cook meal, because as you will see, there is cooking involved (granted not by me this time) but it is a meal that is eaten cold and that is always nice on a hot, muggy day.
This is all my husband’s doing, a recipe he has been playing around with since his university days.
It is tasty and satisfying and perfect for a hot summer day, the only down side is that it isn’t something that you can make in large batches and keep in the fridge.
Ideally, it should be served the same day or the next day at the very latest.
Ingredients for 6
4 ripe cherry tomatoes
2 diced tomatoes
100 gr sweet pancetta in cubes
100 gr cooked ham in cubes
100 gr emmenthal in cubes
250 gr ciliegini mozzarella
fresh basil leaves
1 clove of garlic
extra virgin olive oil
salt
Blanche the 4 cherry tomatoes, peel and puree them.
Saute the garlic in the olive oil. Remove the garlic and add the tomato. Cook over low heat for about 15 minutes or until it starts to boil, season with salt and set aside to cool.
In another pan, cook the pancetta until crunchy.
Cook 500 gr of pasta.
When the pasta is al dente, drain and rinse under cold water.
Dress the pasta with the sauce and all the other ingredients. Toss and chill for 2 to 3 hours and serve.
8 responses so far ↓
My Mélange // August 4, 2008 at 1:27 pm |
Mmmmmm. Good!! Have to try this for me as my OH is a vegetarian
But who can resist the goodness called Pancetta??
Mmmmm, pancetta! You can do the dish without the meat, I’m sure it will still be tasty!
nyc/caribbean ragazza // August 4, 2008 at 2:38 pm |
This dish is perfect!
The heat is back this week down here as well. I am trying to hold on until late September.
I get very happy when I see lightening at night because that means a storm is on the way and I’ll get a good nights sleep!
Goddess in the Groove // August 5, 2008 at 6:44 am |
I can taste it~!!!
Thank goodness for AC’s. My mom in Germany is melting…I remember these type of meals well from my child hood
.
I can’t wait to get out of Milan, I feel like wilted lettuce as soon as I walk out the door.
*Belgian // August 5, 2008 at 9:10 am |
This dish looks amazing! I’m definately going to try it out minus the meat. ( I’m a vegetarian)
But I’m sure it’s still gonna taste great.
Add your favourite fresh vegetables to replace the meat, it will give it a little added crunch.
Mike of Mike's Table // August 5, 2008 at 6:06 pm |
This looks like a nice, light, summery feeling pasta dish, and having it cold seems like just the right way to enjoy it. You’ve got me wishing I had some of this for lunch right now!
In this heat only cold meals can entice me to the table. I’m dreaming of a white christmas!
Marie // August 6, 2008 at 10:28 pm |
This is such a light and tasty meal for those hot summer days. Your Husband did good!!
Yup, he’s a keeper!
Cherrye at My Bella Vita // August 9, 2008 at 2:34 pm |
This is a great twist on how we usually make cold pasta “salads.” I may try this one tomorrow!!
I love cold pasta dishes, especially if eaten outside.
Courtney // August 11, 2008 at 1:14 am |
What is it with our men and creating great pasta dishes. Hang in there. Fall is around the corner!
I am trying to enjoy the summer, but I am daydreaming about my aunt’s place on Lake Chemong, sitting on the dock with my feet in the water …