Name: Spaghetti with Smoky Tomatoes and Onions
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: Makes 4 (main course) servings
Ingredients: 1 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic; 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided; 6 plum tomatoes (2 pounds), halved lengthwise; 1 large red onion, cut into 1-inch wedges (keep stem end intact); 3/4 pound spaghetti; 1/3 cup grated parmesan; 1/2 cup coarsely chopped basil; Equipment: a 13-by 9- by 2-inch disposable foil pan; Accompaniment: grated parmesan

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Spaghetti with Smoky Tomatoes and OnionsRomulo Yanes

No bottled tomato sauce can equal a simple homemade one—especially when the robust flavor of the grill is added to the mix.

Cooks' notes:

•Tomatoes and onion can be cooked in a lightly oiled hot grill pan over medium-high heat until grill marks appear.
•Tomatoes and onion can be grilled 1 day ahead and chilled.

Recipe information

Total Time
30 min
Yield
Makes 4 (main course) servings

Ingredients

1 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic

1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided

6 plum tomatoes (2 pounds), halved lengthwise

1 large red onion, cut into 1-inch wedges (keep stem end intact)

3/4 pound spaghetti

1/3 cup grated parmesan

1/2 cup coarsely chopped basil

Equipment: a 13-by 9- by 2-inch disposable foil pan

Accompaniment: grated parmesan

Preparation

Step 1
Prepare grill for direct-heat cooking over hot charcoal (high heat for gas), leaving about one third of grill free of coals (or, for a gas grill, shutting off one or two burners); see Grilling Procedure .
Step 2
Put garlic and 1/4 cup oil in foil pan and put on grill over area with no coals.
Step 3
Rub remaining oil all over tomatoes and onion and season with salt and pepper, then grill over coals, turning occasionally, until well browned, 4 to 5 minutes. Coarsely chop tomatoes and add to garlic oil with onion.
Step 4
Cook spaghetti in a pasta pot of well-salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup cooking water, then drain pasta. Toss with reserved water, parmesan, basil, contents of foil pan, and salt and pepper to taste.