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Vegetarian--One Step At A Time

I have no desire to become a vegetarian--I figure I have incisors for a reason, and munching carrots isn't it. But this week I am experimenting with a diet that includes a little less meat. Besides the chicken that was stuffed with feta and sun-dried tomatoes and the bit of prosciutto in the leek fritatta, this week is all about vegetables. I've got a sweet-pepper quiche and a veggie pannini lined up on this week's menu, but for now, here is a simple pasta recipe that proved to be delightful. Enjoy.

Linguine with Sweet Tomatoes, Basil, and Cream
(from The Gardener's Community Cookbook, Smith & Hawken)
Serves 6

2 tablespoons butter
2 to 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
4 cups grape tomatoes
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup shredded fresh basil leaves
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3/4 pound linguine or fettuccine, cooked and drained
1/2 cup Parmesan grated

Melt the butter in a large saute pan. Add the garlic and saute over medium-high heat until wilted but not browned, about 1 minute. Don't burn it!

Add the tomatoes and saute until softened, about 2 minutes. Stir in the cream, bring to a boil, and simmer briskly until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.

Stir in the basil, salt, and pepper. Pour over the pasta and serve right away, accompanied by the Parmesan on the side.

Comments

dive said…
Mmmm … fresh basil …
This is yummy, Robyn, though I'm afraid this parmesan pig would grate it all over the top.
And your incisors are for opening beer.
Sounds gorgeous Robyn. However i'm short of time this evening, so here's mine.
1. Go to supermarket
1 pack fresh pasta parcels of ham cheese basil and garlic
1 pot Arribata sauce
2. Boil for 5 mins, drain and stir in sauce
3. Enjoy with a room-warmed Merlot.
dive said…
Ew! Lynn!
That's just gross!
… er … except the Merlot …
Sassy Sundry said…
See... We eat just fine.
dive said…
Fluff?
peahen said…
Lynne, I'm disappointed - I bet Robyn's recipe takes no longer to cook than your made-in-a-factory packet, and contains fewer additives.

(Can I leave out the garlic, though Robyn? Ew.)

I think we're all with you on the Merlot though, cheers!
lol Peahen. Well i'm sure it takes exactly the same time to COOK as mine, but the washing, the chopping, the slopping, the washing-up of all those recepticles, how long that? lol. I do love to cook actually, but sometimes, well... more time for FUN. he he. Know what i'm saying??
GG said…
Yum, that sounds delicious, although I'd double the garlic and parmesan amounts. I'd love to say I'd cook it, but I don't have a workable kitchen. Looks like I'll be eating out again!
peahen said…
When you put it like that, Lynne, yes, there are lots of things that I'd rather do than wash pots!
There you go then, Peahen. Time-saving meals have their place and the one i mentioned isn't full of dried up chemicals so, in my mind, i'm comfortable.

What shall we do with our saved time then Peahen, that's the Q. If alone, I'd use that twenty mins to have more Merlot, sing and dance! If less energetic i'd settle down and read Tatler from cover to cover. If with my partner, then cuddles on the sofa are my choice.

You? You have twenty minutes.
Scout said…
GG, as a general rule, I always double the Parmesan.

Peahen and Lynn, I do what I can to choose meals that take no longer than 30 minutes to prepare, and I can usually get the dishes washed in 10-15 minutes. Although if I worked a full 9 to 5, I think I wouldn't want to bother with even that.

As far as what I would do with a spare 20 minutes, I believe that deserves and entire post.
dive said…
Lynn, the preparation and cooking are almost as good as the eating.
I love the feel of yummy fresh raw vegetables and their pitiful screams as I take the knife and commit vegicide … er …
Dive you need help. lol.

Robyn yes and i do love to see your recipes. Believe me, when i can, i'll be back. My problem is just that which you mention - the hours - although i have had a dirth of work recently, my normal day starts around 8.30 with various deadlines so i can take some breaks during the day, but often, i'm working into the evening too. After dinner and talking to my son (usually my other two are elsewhere, uni and at Dad's), it's often back to the laptop to meet a deadline of 9 the next morning. Not always, but often that's how it is. I do long for more time but without getting the violins out, the bills come in all the time and there's only me paying them! So short and snappy recipes without too much cutting and clearing up are fantastic for me!

Do tell about your twenty minutes. It's twenty mins just for you, no jobs, no chores, no deadline. lol!
dive said…
I'd spend the twenty minutes preparing and chopping vegetables, then washing up afterwards.
Mmmmmmmmm …
dive said…
Then I might iron my boxer shorts …

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