- 2 pounds tomatoes, divided
- 1 fresh hot cherry pepper (optional), stemmed and chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes
- 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 celery rib, finely chopped
- 1 pound fresh mozzarella, chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped celery leaves
- Accompaniment: 1 pound capellini, cooked and drained
- Halve 1 pound tomatoes, then purée with cherry pepper (if using), red pepper flakes, oil, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a blender until smooth.
- Finely chop remaining tomatoes and combine with celery and tomato purée in a large bowl.
- Toss hot capellini with tomato sauce and mozzarella. Serve sprinkled with celery leaves.