simple saturday afternoon pasta

I have started the weekend at my parent's place trying to get some rest so that I can recouperate from my adventures in Hobart last week.  Feeling v. sluggish (and perhaps still a little bit hungover) I made a simple tomato, onion, basil and salami pasta.  This could not be easier.  There is no cooking required, apart from boiling the pasta. 

The process is very similar to the salad which accompanied the grilled spatchcocks, posted here on the Table earlier last month.  All you need to do is halve a couple of punnets of cherry tomatoes (or the grape variety, if you have a personal preference), finely dice a spanish onion and drizzle with a splash of white balsamic vinegar and a couple of large glugs of olive oil.  Leave this to allow the juices to befriend each other whilst you boil the spaghetti. 

And because I was cooking for Didds I, of course, made some chilli and garlic oil just for him.  Another very simple thing to do - chop up some chillies and smash some garlic; throw it all into a small pot of olive oil and cook on a very low heat for about 15 - 20 minutes.  Once cooked, leave to cool and serve a portion in a small dish at the table.  

Finally, just before the pasta is cooked, simply slice some good quality salami (I say good quality but really I just used what was left over in the fridge - had been there for a while but turned out just fine!) and a large bunch of basil.  Stir the basil and salami through the tomatoes with the now cooked pasta.   Finally, finish off with a drizzle of olive oil and serve with parmesan.

Now, the big question is - have you recognised the difference in the quality of these photos?  If you have, it is beacuse I have finally made the plunge and purchased a new camera.  If you haven't then I have wasted the small fortune I have invested.

My first impression is that it certainly does a better job than the camera in my phone.

I think I am going to become obsessed with it, if I haven't already done so.  My endless snapping around the house today has certainly worn thin with Mims and Didds.  

Happy eating!!!!

Sam