Warm Pasta Salad with Grilled Tomatoes, Zucchini & Pecorino
by Tony Rosenfeld
Serves ten to twelve as a side dish or six as a main course.
1-1/2 lb. ripe plum tomatoes (about 8), cored and halved lengthwise
1-1/4 lb. small zucchini (about 4), trimmed and halved lengthwise
5 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
4 tsp. chopped fresh thyme
2 tsp. kosher salt; more as needed
1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper; more as needed
6 oz. Pecorino Romano, shaved with a vegetable peeler (about 2 cups)
1 lb. dried penne
1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh chives
2 tsp. balsamic vinegar
Prepare a medium fire on a gas grill or a medium-hot charcoal fire. In a large bowl, toss the tomatoes and zucchini with 2 Tbs. of the oil, 2 tsp. of the thyme, and the salt and pepper.
Set the vegetables cut side down on the grill and cook without moving them until they have good grill marks, 5 to 7 minutes. Flip and cook until browned and tender, 6 to 8 more minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and let cool for a couple of minutes. Coarsely chop, return them to the same large bowl along with 1-1/2 cups of the pecorino, and toss. Let sit for up to a couple of hours at room temperature.
Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook, stirring often, until just al dente, about 11 minutes. Drain well and toss with the tomato mixture, 3 Tbs. of the chives, the remaining 3 Tbs. olive oil and the balsamic vinegar. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste and transfer to a serving bowl. Sprinkle with the remaining 1 Tbs. chives, 2 tsp. thyme, and 1/2 cup pecorino, and serve.
Make Ahead Tips
You can grill the tomatoes and zucchini a couple of hours before serving. Hold them in a large bowl at room temperature. Cook the pasta just before guests arrive and toss it with the vegetables.
nutrition information (per serving):
Size
:
based on twelve servings;
Calories
(kcal):
260;
Fat
(g):
11;
Fat Calories
(kcal):
90;
Saturated Fat
(g):
4;
Protein
(g):
9;
Monounsaturated Fat
(g):
4;
Carbohydrates
(g):
32;
Polyunsaturated Fat
(g):
1;
Sodium
(mg):
480;
Cholesterol
(mg):
15;
Fiber
(g):
2;
photo: Scott Phillips
From Fine Cooking 86
, pp. 26d
July 1, 2007