Yield: Makes 6 servings
Active Time: 20 min
Total Time: 30 min

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.