There are few things that I love to cook with more than basil. The smell alone is enough to brighten my mood and bring a little sunshine into even the rainiest of days.
Today was just the kind of day that needed brightening. We woke up to low hanging, dark clouds spitting rain. It wasn’t the kind of rain that falls heavily and steadily. Nor was it a sparse sprinkle or light rain shower. Rather, the rain drops seemed to be of all sizes. Small and gentle. Big and heavy. The clouds just could not make up their minds about how to send the nourishing rain our way.
Somewhere in the middle of the rain, for a brief moment, the sun came out. At the time, I was riding my bicycle to the grocery store and suddenly stopped on the sidewalk, letting the sun’s warmth soak into my back. It was glorious. At that moment I knew. Today needed some basil.
As I write this, there are flashes of lightening and crashes of thunder. Not in a threatening way. More like a “summer is on its way and so are the thundering nights” way. This meal was just what we needed. Brightly colored and flavored, we were able to end our weekend with some sun in the midst of the rain.
Swordfish and Pasta with Sun-dried Tomato Basil Sauce
2 swordfish steaks
1/2 package angel hair pasta
4 sun dried tomatoes (not in oil), chopped
2 cups basil leaves, chopped
1 clove garlic, choped
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
salt and pepper
red pepper flakes
lemon wedges
Make the pasta according to the package directions. Meanwhile, in a food processor, combine the sun dried tomatoes, basil, garlic, oil, salt and pepper (to taste) and pulse until well combined. Set aside.
In a medium pan, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium high heat. Season the swordfish with salt and pepper and place in the pan. Cook for 2 minutes on each side.
In another, large pan, melt the butter. Add the sun dried tomato basil mixture to the melted butter and stir to combine. Add the angel hair pasta to the sauce and turn off the heat. Toss the pasta to coat with the sauce.
Serve with the swordfish on top of the pasta along with a lemon wedge. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes for garnish.
