Ingredients

• 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

Instructions

1. 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.
2. Finely chop remaining tomatoes and combine with celery and tomato purée in a large bowl.
3. Toss hot capellini with tomato sauce and mozzarella. Serve sprinkled with celery leaves.