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Greek-Style Fresh Tomato Sauce

Ingredients

  • Salt

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)

  • 2 tablespoons butter

  • 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, leaves stripped and finely chopped

  • 4 cloves garlic, chopped

  • 1 large red onion, chopped

  • 1/2 cup dry white wine

  • 2 pints cherry tomatoes, halved if large

  • Freshly ground pepper

  • 1 pound penne rigate (with lines)

  • 12 ounces feta cheese (about 1 1/4 cups), crumbled

  • 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves

  • 1/2 cup flat leaf parsley, leaves stripped

Directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.

Heat the EVOO in a large skillet or pot with a tight-fitting lid over medium to medium-high heat. Melt the butter into the EVOO. When the butter begins to foam, add the oregano, garlic and onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the wine and cook for 1 minute. Add the tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Cover and cook until the tomatoes have burst and the sauce is thickened, 12-15 minutes.

Meanwhile, add the pasta to the boiling water and cook until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy cooking water, then drain the pasta.

Stir the sauce, then add the feta and cook until melted, about 1 minute. Add the pasta and the reserved starchy cooking water and toss to combine, 1-2 minutes. Top with the mint and parsley and serve.