Hearty Tomato Zucchini Pasta Food

ZUCCHINI "FETTUCCINE" WITH TOMATO SAUCE

Steps:

• Trim and peel the zucchini, then use a mandoline or a vegetable peeler to thinly slice lengthwise into wide ribbons (stop when you get to the seeds). Cut the ribbons into 1/4-to-1/2-inch-wide strips to make them look like fettuccine. Transfer to a colander and toss with 3/4 teaspoon salt; let drain in the sink, tossing occasionally, about 30 minutes. Rinse well and pat dry.
• Meanwhile, peel the tomatoes using a sharp vegetable peeler, then halve horizontally and squeeze out the seeds. Puree 1 tomato with the olive oil, garlic, jalapeno, and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper in a food processor or blender. Transfer to a bowl. Chop the remaining 4 tomatoes and add to the bowl; add the pine nuts, basil, oregano, and salt to taste.
• Divide the zucchini among bowls and top with the tomato sauce. Top with more pine nuts and drizzle with olive oil.

ZUCCHINI-TOMATO PASTA SAUCE

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, melt butter with oil over medium heat. Add onions, cook and stir until tender, 5-7 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, zucchini, garlic, oregano, salt and pepper; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until zucchini is tender and sauce reaches desired consistency, 50-60 minutes. Serve with pasta.

ZUCCHINI "PASTA" WITH FRESH TOMATO SAUCE

Steps:

• In saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over medium heat.
• Add tomatoes, thyme, bay leaf, sugar, salt and pepper, cook, uncovered, for 7 to 10 minutes or until excess moisture has evaporated.
• Remove bay leaf.
• Meanwhile, slice unpeeled zucchini lengthwise into long wide strips about 1/8 inch thick.
• (Use a veggie slicer or I find a veggie peeler is best, in long single swipes.) In a large frypan, heat 1 tablespoon of the remaining oil over high heat.
• Add half of the zucchini strips and half of the garlic, sprinkle with a pinch of cayenne, cook, stirring almost constantly for about 3 minutes or until zucchini is tender and golden, being careful not to break it.
• Remove to paper towel lined baking sheet and keep warm in low oven.
• Repeat with remaining oil, zucchini, garlic and cayenne.
• Arrange zucchini mixture on warmed serving platter.
• Pour sauce over and sprinkle with parmesan.
• Serve immediately.

ROASTED TOMATO AND ZUCCHINI PASTA

Steps:

• Heat oven to 450°.
• On rimmed baking sheet, toss zucchini, tomatoes, and garlic with 5 tablespoons oil; season with salt and pepper.
• Spread into single layer; roast until zucchini is lightly browned, 20 to 25 minutes.
• Meanwhile, in large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta until al dente, about 12 minutes.
• Drain pasta, reserving 1/2 cup cooking water.
• Return pasta to pot. Toss with remaining tablespoon oil; cover.
• Pour reserved pasta water onto baking sheet of cooked vegetables; scrape with a wooden spoon to loosen browned bits.
• Stir vegetables and juices into pasta.
• Add parsley and Parmesan; toss to combine.
• Serve with more Parmesan.