Rigatoni with Spicy Grilled Tomato Sauce

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Rigatoni with Spicy Grilled Tomato Sauce

 

3 pounds vine-ripened tomatoes

1 large red bell pepper

2 jalapeno chilies

3 to 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

sea salt and freshly ground pepper

1 cup minced onion

1 tablespoon minced garlic

1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh oregano

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

2 tablespoons Gorgonzola cheese

3/4 pound dried rigatoni

2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

 

Prepare the grill and let it burn down to medium coals. Core the tomatoes and

cut an X through the skin on the bottom of each. In a bowl, toss the tomatoes,

bell pepper, and chilies with 1 to 2 tablespoons of the olive oil; season with

salt and pepper.

Secure the chilies with metal or soaked wooden skewers so they won't fall

through the grill grate. Place the tomatoes on the grill, X-side down and away

from direct heat, with the other vegetables.

Cover the grill and cook, turning the bell pepper and chilies to char evenly all

over, until the tomatoes have softened but are still firm enough to stand on

their own and the bell pepper and chilies are blistered, about 15 minutes. Put

the pepper and chilies in a bowl and cover to steam and loosen the skins. Let

the tomatoes cool to room temperature.

Peel the grilled vegetables. Cut the tomatoes in half horizontally and squeeze

out the seeds into a sieve suspended over a bowl to catch the juices. Finely

chop the tomatoes. Return the tomato pulp and any juices from the chopping board

to the bowl holding the tomato juices. Seed and derib the bell pepper and

chilies. Cut the bell pepper into small dice. Mash the chilies and taste to

determine their heat.

Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large saute pan over medium heat

until hot. Add the onion, season with salt, and sauti until softened, about 2

minutes. Add the garlic and oregano and stir. Add the tomatoes and their juice

and bring to a boil over high heat. Lower the heat to medium and simmer until

thickened, about 10 minutes. Add the bell pepper and mashed chilies to taste and

simmer for another minute. Add the vinegar and stir in the Gorgonzola. Season to

taste with salt and pepper. Keep warm.

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil and add salt. Add the pasta and

cook until al dente, about 12 minutes. Drain and pour into a warm serving bowl.

Pour the tomato sauce over the top and add the parsley. Toss well and serve

immediately.

 

 

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