Pasta Mediterranea - Mediterranean Style Pasta

The Mediterranean diet is without doubt one of the best in the world; healthy, diverse and full of flavour. Ingredients like olives, capers and anchovies gives the accompanying pasta a unique taste of various Mediterranean flavours. In need of an oomph I also added a tablespoon of Harissa to the dish which gave it a distinct Tunisian touch. If you do not like the spicy kick that the Harissa provides you can always substitute it with tomato paste. I created this dish at about 6am to take with me at work and it turned out delicious. Give it a go and you will do this dish again...guaranteed...this amounts below are for 2-3 people. You will need...

• 6 baby plum or cherry tomatoes
• 1 green pepper, de-seeded and sliced
• 6-8 green olives with stone in
• 1 tbsp capers (optional)
• 1 tsp harissa or tomato paste
• 1 tin anchovies, chopped [omit if vegan]
• 1 garlic clove, finely chopped or crushed
• 6 fresh basil leaves, hand torn
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Olive oil [I used the oil from the anchovies]

How to...

1. Start by cooking the pasta al dente and set aside.
2. Heat about a tablespoon of the olive oil and the garlic on medium heat, when garlic is golden, add pepper, anchovies and tomatoes and cook until soft (about 5-8 minutes), stirring frequently.
3. Now add olives, capers, harissa/tomato paste, basil leaves and black pepper, stir well and sauté for another 3-4 minutes.
4. At this time mix the pasta and mixture together.
5. Serve warm.

Enjoy!!

R&A