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Fresh Pasta Recipe with Tomatoes and Olives – An Italian Delicacy

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 5 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Welcome to the world of Mediterranean flavors! Today, I will guide you step by step in making fresh pasta with tomatoes and olives, a simple and delicious recipe, perfect to be enjoyed warm or cold, alongside rice or on crispy slices of bread, like bruschetta. This recipe is a true tribute to the simplicity of quality ingredients and cooking techniques that highlight each flavor. Let's get started!

Ingredients
- 2 large tomatoes or 6 cherry tomatoes
- 4-5 green or black olives, pitted
- 3-4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 small bunch of fresh basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Bread (preferably baguette or rustic bread) for bruschetta

Preparing the Fresh Pasta
1. Preparing the ingredients: Wash the tomatoes under cold running water and dry them with a kitchen towel. If using cherry tomatoes, cut them in half. Large tomatoes can be sliced or diced, depending on preference.

2. The olives: If you have whole olives, make sure to pit them and chop them into small pieces. The olives add a salty flavor and a pleasant contrast to the sweetness of the tomatoes.

3. Food processor: Add the tomatoes, chopped olives, oregano, fresh basil (washed and torn into large pieces), and olive oil into a food processor. This will help achieve a homogeneous paste, but do not let it become a fine paste; you want to keep a slightly rustic texture. If you don't have a food processor, a blender can work, but be careful not to turn everything into a soup.

4. Seasoning: Add salt and pepper to taste, then mix again to combine the flavors. The taste should be fresh, with a perfect balance between the sweetness of the tomatoes and the saltiness of the olives.

Preparing the Bruschetta
1. Toasting the bread: Cut slices of bread about 1 cm thick. You can use a crunchy baguette or rustic bread. Toast them in a pan or oven until golden and crispy (about 5 minutes at 200 degrees Celsius), being careful not to burn them.

2. Assembling: Once the bread is ready, take the tomato and olive paste and generously spread it on each slice of toasted bread.

Serving Suggestions
This fresh paste can be served as an appetizer or snack, perfect for a gathering with friends. Offer alongside a bowl of extra virgin olive oil, sprinkled with sea salt and freshly ground pepper, to tempt guests to dip their bruschetta. It can also be enjoyed alongside warm or cold rice, making it a light and nutritious meal.

Variations and Tips
- Vegan option: This recipe is already vegan, but you can add sliced avocado for an extra creaminess.
- Add cheese: Adding fresh feta or mozzarella at the end can transform this dish into a true delicacy.
- Storing the paste: If you have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. The flavor will intensify, and the paste will be even better the next day.

Nutritional Benefits
This paste is full of antioxidants thanks to the tomatoes, which are rich in lycopene, a beneficial compound for heart health. Olives provide healthy fats, while basil and oregano add not only flavor but also essential nutrients. In total, a serving of pasta has about 150-200 calories, depending on the amount of olive oil used.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use canned tomatoes?: While fresh tomatoes offer a more vibrant taste, you can also use canned tomatoes in their own juice, but make sure to drain them well.
- What type of olives should I choose?: Green olives add a saltier note, while black olives are sweeter. Choose according to your preference.
- How can I make this recipe spicier?: If you want to add a bit of heat, try including some chili flakes or a splash of chili sauce in the mix.

I hope I have inspired you to try this fresh pasta recipe with tomatoes and olives! It is simple, quick, and incredibly tasty. In the end, don't forget to enjoy every bite and savor the moments spent around the table with loved ones. Bon appétit!