PASTA WITH UNCOOKED TOMATO AND FRESH BASIL SAUCE

Another favorite recipe of ours from the Vegetarian Pleasures cookbook. This is absolutely divine in the summer when all the ingredients are ripe and ready right out of the garden.

6 ripe plum tomatoes (or the equivalent of any ripe tomatoes you have)
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
1 C shredded fresh basil leaves (loosely packed)
1/2 C chopped fresh parsley
1/2 C olive oil
1/2 t dried red pepper flakes
1/2 t salt
freshly ground pepper to taste
pasta, such as angle hair, linguine, spaghetti, or vermicelli
2/3 C grated Parmesan cheese

Wash the tomatoes and cut up into 1 inch pieces. Place in a medium size bowl. Add the garlic, basil, parsley, olive oil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Toss well. Let marinate at room temperature for at least 2 hours. If you marinate it longer then chill it. (This dish may be prepared in advance to this point, covered, and chilled for up to 24 hours. Bring to room temperature before serving.)

Cook pasta and drain. Top with tomato basil sauce and grated Parmesan when still hot.