Fresh Summer Dinner -- Roasted Cherry Tomato Spaghetti

Some of you might remember when I wrote a while ago about my recovering relationship with spaghetti. Josh and I ate a lot of spaghetti at his house back in his bachelor days (in his defense, we were both teaching and it was cheap, quick, and easy). But since then, I've had a hard time really enjoying spaghetti like I used to. Every now and then, though, I find something fun that makes me give it a try again as I try to learn to love spaghetti once more.

That said... this recipe (adapted from one in Cooking Light, June 2010) is something that I could probably eat almost every day. My psychological block with spaghetti prevents it, but oh my goodness, this is so simple and so delicious. With summer coming in full swing, this is definitely going to be on our menu. The ingredients are simple, so be sure you use quality ones. This largely means make sure you have good tomatoes, fresh basil and parsley, and a cheese you like. Even once it's ready, it doesn't necessarily look like much, but don't be fooled! It's a whole bunch of deliciousy goodness, especially with a simple salad and garlic bread.

A word of warning: this meal could get expensive if you buy all the ingredients at the grocery store. This is definitely a seasonal meal, so enjoy it while these things are in season! Buying from the store, this could probably cost $10-$15. Which, for 6 servings isn't horrible, but it's definitely not great, either. However, if you have a garden, or at least an herb garden (which I definitely recommend), you don't have to pay an arm and a leg for the basil and parsley, which will significantly cut costs. And, pretty soon those cherry tomatoes will be ripe, too! (Ours are a tempting green right now... I just want them to hurry on up!) If you live in Philly, I recommend visiting Greensgrow Farms to pick up some plants, but you should be able to find them at any local nursery -- including somewhere like Home Depot.

I don't have any photos -- we ate it too quickly! I guess you'll just have to make it and see for yourself!



Quick-Roasted Cherry Tomato Spaghetti
Makes: 6 servings
Total Time:  25-30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 Tablespoon kosher salt*
• 12 oz spaghetti noodles (3/4 of a box)
• 2 pints cherry tomatoes
• 3 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar (either is fine)
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt*
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped or torn
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 3/4 cup (3 oz) feta or semisoft goat cheese

*If you use sea salt instead of kosher salt, cut the amount of salt used in half.


Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 450.
2. Bring about 4 quarts of water to boil in a large Dutch oven (a big pot, also known as a French oven). As you wait for the water to boil, combine the tomatoes, 1 Tbs extra-virgin olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp crushed red pepper in a bowl. Toss gently to coat tomatoes well. Place tomatoes on a jelly roll pan (basically a cookie sheet with a lip) and bake at 450 for 8-10 minutes, or until tomatoes are soft and lightly charred.
3. When water comes to a boil, add 1 Tbs salt and the spaghetti. Cook 10 minutes or until spaghetti is al dente (still a little firm). When spaghetti is done, reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water. Then drain the noodles and return them to the pot.
4. Add tomatoes and any tomato juice to the spaghetti. Add 1/4 of the reserved cooking water to the jelly roll pan to loosen and scrape up any brown bits. Carefully pour the jelly roll pan contents into the spaghetti mixture, and add the remaining 2 Tbs extra virgin olive oil, 1/4-1/2 tsp crushed red pepper (the more you add, the hotter the dish will be), and 1/4 tsp garlic powder.
5. Turn heat to medium. Add the rest of the reserved cooking water slowly into the spaghetti, tossing/mixing frequently. Mix in the basil and parsley. You can either add the cheese to the pot or serve it separately, adding to individual plates (or letting people add it themselves. Eat immediately and enjoy!