Fusilli With Grape Tomatoes And Burrata Recipes

TOMATOES AND BURRATA

Steps:

• Cut the ball of cheese in half crosswise and place the halves, cut side down, on 2 salad plates. Cut each tomato in half through the stem end and distribute them around the burrata. Drizzle the tomatoes and burrata generously with olive oil and balsamic vinegar and sprinkle with kosher salt and pepper. Scatter the basil on the salads, sprinkle with fleur de sel, and serve with Garlic Toasts.
• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Slice the baguette diagonally into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Depending on the size of the baguette, you should get 20 to 25 slices.
• Lay the slices in one layer on a baking sheet, brush each with olive oil, and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Bake the toasts for 15 to 20 minutes, until they are browned and crisp. As soon as they are cool enough to handle, rub one side of the toasts with the cut side of the garlic. Serve at room temperature.

RIGATONI WITH ROASTED CHERRY TOMATOES AND BURRATA

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Toss the tomatoes with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper in a large bowl. Spread the tomatoes on a rimmed baking sheet and roast until softened, about 20 minutes. Return to the bowl and stir with a wooden spoon to break up the tomatoes and make a chunky sauce.
• Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook as the label directs. Reserve 1/2 cup cooking water, then drain.
• While the pasta is cooking, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly golden, about 3 minutes; add to the bowl with the tomatoes.
• Add the pasta to the tomato mixture and toss, adding enough of the reserved pasta cooking water to loosen the sauce. Stir in the oregano and season with salt and pepper. Top each serving with the burrata, basil, a drizzle of olive oil and a few grinds of pepper.
• Cook's Note: Burrata is fresh mozzarella that's filled with cream and curds, so it oozes when cut. If you can't find it, top your pasta with ricotta instead.

FUSILLI ALLA CAPRESE

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain pasta into a large bowl and reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid.
• In a medium skillet heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and saute until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes, salt, and pepper. As the tomatoes cook and soften, smash them with a fork. Continue to cook until the tomatoes make a chunky style sauce, about 4 minutes. Transfer the tomato sauce to the bowl with the pasta. Toss to combine. Add the basil leaves and mozzarella. Stir to combine. Add the reserved pasta water, 1/4 cup at a time, until the pasta is moist. Serve.