Quick and simple and ideal for those wanting a lighter meal.

Ingredients

• 4 tomatoes
• 4 thick slices smoked bacon, trimmed of rind and finely sliced
• 2 tblsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed and peeled and sliced
• ½ cup chopped fresh herbs
• 2 tblsp pinenuts or chopped walnuts
• ½ cup tomato juice
• pasta for four (shape of your choice)
• fresh parmesan cheese to accompany

Method

1. Blanch the tomatoes in boiling water for 1 minute. Plunge into chilled water and peel away the skins. Cut tomatoes in half horizontally and squeeze out and discard the seeds. Dice the flesh.
2. Heat the olive oil in a frying pan and cook the bacon until lightly crisp. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute.
3. Add the tomatoes, herbs, pinenuts or walnuts and tomato juice and heat through. Set aside.
4. Cook the pasta in boiling, salted water until al dente or firm to the bite. Drain well.
5. Toss the pasta with the tomatoes and bacon and serve immediately. Serve with fresh shavings of parmesan cheese and fresh herbs.

Cooks Tips

- Vary this dish using other smoked foods such as pork, beef or lamb.