In a hot summer day, we sometimes want something that is easy and fast to prepare.

The first idea is pasta with fresh tomatoes, feta cheese, basil and garlic. And talking about garlic, Thannasis Veggos comes to mind, my favourite of all the Greek actors and comedians. He was the archetype of the poor working man in hard times, dignified and humane, always in a hurry, never giving up and trying to come into terms with social roles and en-vogue fashion.In one of his masterpieces of the 60s he is a detective, looking up to James Bond. In an assignment he has to mingle in a hippy – flower power community. Part of his disguise, and instead of a necklace of flowers around his neck, is a string of garlics, like the one you find in the open markets or old school groceries. What great art!

Thanassis Veggos

So garlic, besides everything else, reminds me of Veggos. And there is plenty of garlic in this easy, summertime pasta. It is not even a recipe, but it suits well a hot summer day if you do not want to spend time in the kitchen.

garlic, local vegetable market, Anavyssos

Serves 4

• 500g Spaghetti or linguine or any other pasta

For the “salad-sauce”

• 1kg fresh tomatoes, cut in cubes
• 2-3 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
• 1 Tbsp capers (optional)
• 1 Tbsp Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced (optional)
• 2 Tbsp basil leaves, finely chopped
• 200g feta cheese, cubed or crumbled
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

tomatoes, local vegetable market, Anavyssos

Prepare the “salad-sauce”. In a large bowl combine all the salad ingredients.

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain the pasta into a colander.

Add the drained pasta to the salad bowl and toss well to coat.

Summertime Spaghetti