Pasta W/ Smoked Mozzarella, Asparagas And Dried Tomatoes

Soak dried tomato strips in the cup of warm water for 3-5 min until they begin to soften. Drain and reserve the liquid.

Heat 5′ of water to boiling in large saucepot. Add the asparagus and cook 3 min. until tender but still crisp. Remove to a bowl and set aside.

In the same of pot of boiling water, cook the pasta. While it’s cooking:

Heat 1 T olive oil over med. heat; add onion and saute 5 min. Reduce heat to low; add garlic and saute 3 min. Stir in tomato liquid, asparagus, thyme leaves and salt. Cook for 5 min.

Drain pasta; return it to the pot and toss with remaining 1 T olive oil.

Place on serving platter and top with tomato-asparagus mixture and mozzarella. Serve immediately; or to serve cold, cool to room temperature, cover and refrigerate.

Recipe By : Country Living, May 1995 —–