Master Recipe

Raw Tomato Sauce with Basil and Garlic

NOTE: Called salsa cruda in Italy, this raw sauce depends on absolutely ripe summer tomatoes. The tomatoes are seeded (but not peeled), tossed with the finest olive oil and seasonings, and then used as a sauce for pasta. If you prefer, omit the garlic. Use this sauce with penne or fusilli and serve immediately or allow the pasta to cool to room temperature (do not refrigerate) and enjoy as an Italian-style pasta salad.

  1¹/₂    pounds ripe tomatoes

  ¹/₄    cup extra-virgin olive oil

  1    garlic clove, minced

  2    tablespoons minced fresh basil leaves Salt and ground black pepper