Pasta Perfection: Spaghetti Tossed with Cherry Tomatoes, Capers, Mint & Parsley

Straying from the familiar, surrounded by a foreign culture, often amplifies my longing for the comforting rhythm of culinary pursuits. The journey of stepping into a local marketplace, handpicking ingredients, and orchestrating a dish like spaghetti tossed with cherry tomatoes capers mint & parsley provides that homely feeling, no matter where on the globe I might be.

During my latest trip through Europe, accompanied by Kaitlin and our cousin, Kim, we relished the opportunity to cook our own meals. Not only did this help us conserve our budget amid hefty travel costs, but it also allowed us to feel a sense of groundedness as we navigated various cities and countries. Our journey took us to Santorini, Greece, which turned out to be a highlight of our trip.

We opted for apartment stays over pricier hostels, making most of our bookings via Airbnb. In Santorini, we discovered a charming spot, Anna Traditional Apartments. I feel compelled to mention this gem as Anna and her husband, Elias, were wonderful hosts, offering assistance and transport services as needed.

The apartment’s mini kitchen came equipped with basic amenities, allowing us to put together a delightful meal on our second night in Santorini. Our chosen ingredients included fresh herbs, juicy cherry tomatoes, a lemon, garlic, pasta, capers, and local white wine. All these elements culminated in a stunning dinner on the terrace, with the ocean as our backdrop. This recipe, featuring spaghetti with tomatoes, capers, and herbs, is deceptively easy to whip up. Even in the limited space of our apartment kitchen, we managed to create, photograph, and share this delightful dish.

In this way, we experienced the high life on a budget, proving that elegance can be achieved without extravagant expenses.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound spaghetti
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 garlic bulb (peeled and chopped)
• 1/3 cup capers
• 4 pints cherry tomatoes (halved)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup white wine
• 1 bunch parsley (approximately 1 1/2 cups, chopped)
• 1 bunch mint (about 1 1/2 cups, chopped)
• 1 lemon (zested and juiced)

Steps to Your Perfect Pasta Meal:

1. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Concurrently, warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in the garlic and let it cook until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Toss in the capers and cherry tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper, and increase the heat to medium-high, cooking for a minute. Pour in the white wine and simmer for another 2 minutes. Stir in the chopped parsley, mint, and lemon zest and juice. Finally, mix in the cooked pasta until it’s well coated with the sauce. Now it’s ready to serve and savor!

This vibrant dish is the perfect embodiment of Mediterranean flavors. The sweetness of the cherry tomatoes paired with the tanginess of capers, the refreshing notes of mint, and the aromatic touch of parsley make this a must-try recipe for any pasta lover. And the best part? It’s a simple yet elegant dish that can be made right in your own kitchen.