For Garlic Lovers

Many recipes call for garlic, whose strong flavor adds depth to almost any meal, but most recipes call for a glove or two, direct on how to cook and have a laundry list of ingredients to play with the garlic.  Not here.  This recipe is raw garlic, but if you like garlic, it is destined to become a craved meal.
 

Garlic pieces should be slightly smaller
than the above.

Dragon Breath Pasta

(4 servings; 15 minute prep time)

Spinach or whole wheat pasta (according to package)

2T EVOO

8 cloves of fresh garlic (more or less according to taste)

2T fresh minced basil

1c Parm

1-2 hot peppers (optional)

2 medium tomatoes



Use a pasta with a lot of surface area, such as a spiral, so that the garlic can adhere.  Bowl water for pasta add a 2T of kosher salt and some olive oil to the water.  Cook pasta until it reaches the desired texture.
Choose a pod of fresh garlic.  Fresh cloves of garlic are heavier than older.  Mince well and place in bottom of bowl with EVOO, basil and optional hot peppers.  Once pasta is cooked, drain noodles, reserving 1/4c of water.  Toss reserved water and pasta in bowl with the above.  Once noodles are coated with mixture, add cheese and gently toss again.
Place in bowls and sprinkle with additional cheese and tomatoes according to taste.
Note: if making this meal for a child, make their bowl separately, only giving a few pieces of garlic that are well chopped, as raw garlic in this quantity is quite intense.

With this meal, the only defense is a good offense, so do not be the only one in the house who does not eat it, as you will be left to smell others.  In spite of how long the after-taste lingers, this is an amazing dish that is so healthy, simple and yet mouth-wateringly bold.  It is one of my all-time favorites, and pairs well with baked or sauteed asparagus.