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Easy No Cook Spaghetti Topping

By Debrah Mosimann of Swiss Woods

This is probably one of the easiest things you will ever make. Esther’s wedding was in September and my dear friend Betty Gladden and innkeeper from Alameda CA flew in to help (along with 8 other amazing friends/innkeepers/gluttons for punishment)  She arrived saying… I will look after everyone so that they have good food while they are working. Weddings are hard work. Who knew. Pintrest would make them look like a walk in the park! But Betty knew and she wanted to keep the staff (volunteer no less!!!!) fed and happy. Every single person here wanted this recipe before she left. We all LOVED it. It is more of a process than a recipe. Betty made it in large scale when she was feeding volunteers working to clean up after Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans.
Honestly.. fabulous.. Use good to great tomatoes. Heirloom are best. and.. if you have questions you can email Betty!

Serves 12 comfortably

Prep Time: 30 Minutes
Servings: 1 Quart

Ingredients:

  • 4 large tomatoes, diced
  • 1 red onion, chopped
  • 1 red/yellow/orange pepper, diced
  • 1/2 green pepper, diced
  • Bunch of basil, chopped (5 stems or so, just the leaves)
  • Parsley
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • 1/4-1/2 olive oil
  • Additional herbs of your choosing
  • roasted or fresh garlic (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Chop the basil and parsley, mix and set aside.

  2. Choose a nice clear glass container that you will enjoy looking at all day. Vases work beautifully. Layer at intervals the chopped tomatoes, onions, peppers, basil/parsley mix, tomatoes, peppers, basil, salt, and pepper. Press down lightly into the vase, pitcher, container. Slowly pour olive oil over until it fills in the spaces. I used 1/3 cup for mine. Allow to sit on the counter so you can admire it all day (minimum 5 hours).

  3. Half an hour before serving, boil water and cook pasta. I used spagetti but you can use whatever you like. Gluten free works fine. Find a really good piece of Parmesan Reggiano and allow it to temper. Cook the pasta in boiling salted water. Place on a plate. Top with the tomato/onion/pepper/garlic/basil that has been ‘steeping’ on your counter all day. Grate the best cheese on top that you can find. Pour a glass of Italian red wine and call it a night!

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