There’s a brand new Trader Joe’s about a one mile walk away from my apartment. It feels like a little piece of suburbia has been planted in the middle of this concrete jungle.
A little taste of suburbia is just what this city girl needs.
Tonight’s dinner was simple yet delicious (and 1/2 the price thanks to being able to shop at Trader Joe’s and not Whole Paycheck).
It started by roasted garlic and shallots in a bit of EVOO.
Followed by roasting grape tomatoes with a drizzle of olive oil, sea salt, pepper and oregano.
While the tomatoes roasted, I bowled water, cooked the pasta and
chopped olives.
After roasting, I threw the garlic, shallot, tomatoes and a few basil leafs into the food processor for a quick spin.
The pasta was plated, covered with Roasted Garlic Tomato Basil Sauce and topped off with freshly shaved parmesan, romano and asiago cheese.
Easy Roasted Garlic Tomato Basil Sauce
- 1 Garlic Head
- 1 Shallot
- 16 ounces grape tomatoes
- 1/4 cup of kalamata olives
- 5 basil leaves
- 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Sea Salt to taste
- pepper to taste
- oregano to taste
Directions:
Heat the oven at 350 degrees. Cut the end off of both the garlic and shallot, rub with olive oil, then wrap in an aluminum tent. Roast for 40 minutes. Mix tomatoes, 1/2 T. of olive oil, salt, pepper and oregano in bowl. Lightly oil pan then add tomatoes. Cook until tomatoes start to “pop” (about 40 minutes). Chop olives. After roasting add the tomatoes, garlic, olives and shallot to food processor along with 3-5 basil leaves. Pulse until desired consistency. Add salt and pepper to taste.
What do you prefer the city or the suburbs? Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods?
The new TJ’s is so much better than the Union Square one.. It still gets pretty busy but not as bad as US.. Your dinner looks delish! I will have to try that sauce.. I desperately need a food processor.
Don’t tell anyone, but it’s empty at 8 a.m. Sunday mornings and when it’s raining outside.
I lived in the city and loved it – but I live in the ‘burbs now, and love the access to all the outdoorsy activities I love – hiking, lakes, running outside, trails. So I’m giving the ‘burns a leg up for me.
The new TJ’s is across the street from my apartment- love it!!!! This recipe looks so good! I love olive but have never added them to tomato sauce. Am definitely trying it this week- perfect for past carb loading for marathon training!
Great looking meal! And even better that it didn’t cost a “Whole Paycheck”. I love buying ingredients that are tasty, healthy, versatile, and actually affordable. A one mile hike to Trader Joe’s would be my dream.
I’ve never been to Whole Foods, but I love Trader Joe’s! Sadly, the closest one to me is a two hour drive! And, I am definitely a city girl!
Trader Joes is awesome. Especially when you can make that wonderful meal!
That looks like an amazing, simple pasta dish!
I am a suburbia girl – I would love to live near a Trader Joes but instead the closest thing I have is Whole Foods – 25 minutes away.
My city is getting its very first TJ’s this year or early next!! Construction is underway a stones throw from Whole Foods. I can hardly wait!!
That looks amazing!! I’m 3 blocks from the USQ TJ’s so I unfortunately frequent that one..I once made the journey to Chelsea and it was so worth it! Such a better store
Cracking up over “Whole Paycheck” I was there yesterday and it was also a “Whole lot of time on line.” I visited the new Traders 72nd st and the line there too was nuts. I will take Jess’ advice for weekend mornings. We have a Foodtrainers’ Traders shopping list we’ll post about next week. Your meal had me salivating, is it lunch time?
That looks so delicious! The Trader Joe’s by me is always packed and its so tiny. I may have to drive into the city on the weekends to this one!
There is def a fine balance between city and suburbs. I have been living in suburbia for a year now, I’m ready for the city! I think?! Ha
That looks awesome! I never make my own sauce. I wish TJ’s would come to the Upper East Side!!