Il Cucinologo
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Linguine with Mixed Herbs, Cherry Tomatoes, and Spicy Oil

17/11/2023

Linguine with mixed herbs, cherry tomatoes, and spicy oil is a simple, fragrant dish that celebrates Mediterranean flavors. Here’s how to prepare it.

Ingredients

  • 320 g linguine
  • 200 g cherry or datterini tomatoes
  • A handful of mixed fresh herbs (basil, parsley, marjoram, thyme, etc.)
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • Extra virgin olive oil to taste
  • Spicy extra virgin olive oil to taste (you can use oil already flavored with chili or make your own by macerating fresh or dried chili in extra virgin olive oil for at least a week)
  • Sea salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Preparation

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. When boiling, add the linguine and cook according to the package instructions for al dente.

  2. Meanwhile, wash the tomatoes and halve them or leave whole if preferred.

  3. Wash the herbs, pat dry gently, and roughly chop. Set aside.

  4. In a large skillet, sauté the garlic cloves with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil until golden. Remove them if you prefer to avoid an intense garlic flavor.

  5. Add the tomatoes to the skillet with the sautéed garlic and cook for a few minutes until they begin to soften. Season with salt and a pinch of pepper.

  6. Drain the linguine al dente, reserving some cooking water, and transfer to the skillet with the tomatoes. Add a little cooking water if needed to combine.

  7. Toss the linguine and tomatoes together, adding the mixed fresh herbs and a generous drizzle of spicy extra virgin olive oil.

  8. Serve the linguine immediately while hot, offering extra spicy oil on the side for those who prefer a bolder flavor.

Trivia

Linguine is a pasta shape similar to spaghetti but slightly flatter, perfect for catching sauces and toppings. Its name comes from the word “lingua” due to its flat, elongated shape. This dish is an excellent choice for a vegetable-based dinner rich in aromas. With mixed herbs, you’re getting not only a blend of fragrances and flavors but also a variety of nutritional benefits. Each herb brings its own series of beneficial properties for the body.