There’s nothing better than a warm bowl of pasta. You don’t have to be a Michelin-starred chef to make something delicious. You can stretch a pasta recipe by using seasonal vegetables and experimenting with sauces. This will allow you to cook in bulk for the whole week while still getting your 5-a-day.
It’s much easier to accommodate allergies today. There are many pasta options and dairy alternatives available. We can all make a delicious and nutritious meal with a large pot.
Vegetarian Bolognese (4 Servings)
Ingredients
One onion
One large carrot
One courgette
Red pepper
200g mushrooms
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp of garlic
1 tsp mixed dried herbs
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp vegetable stock concentrate
400g chopped tomatoes
400g spaghetti
40g grated parmesan
Method
* Slice the onions. Heat the oil in a pan and cook the onions until soft. Add the chopped carrot, courgette, and pepper to the pan. Saute the vegetables for 5 minutes.
Add the dried herbs, and garlic and mix. Add tomato paste, vegetable broth, and chopped tomatoes. Bring to a boil and simmer for 20 minutes.
* Add the spaghetti to a large pot of boiling water and cook for 10-12 minutes.
* Drain the pasta and divide it into four bowls. Add the vegetable bolognese and sprinkle with cheese. Serve with a side salad.
Grilled Asparagus & Pesto Spaghetti (Serves 4)
Ingredients
25g Basil
Flat leaf parsley, 25g
1 tsp of garlic
100g green olives
2 tbsp toasted pine nuts
40g grated parmesan
Extra olive oil for brushing is also available.
Trimmed and halved 230g asparagus
300g wholewheat pasta
Salt and pepper
Method
Add the olives, pinenuts, and parmesan to a food processor. Mix until coarse. Add some oil and blend until you have a smooth green pesto. Set aside.
* Heat a grill or griddle. Brush the asparagus lightly with oil, and cook it for 10-12 mins. I am turning regularly until tender.
* In the meantime, boil the spaghetti for 10-12 mins in a large pot of water.
Add the asparagus and pesto to the pan. Stir in the pesto, asparagus, and a little black pepper. Serve in bowls and top with extra parmesan, black pepper, and a sprinkle of parmesan. Enjoy.
OUR EXPERT SAID…
Vegetarian Bolognese
It is easy to prepare in bulk and freeze for those busy evenings. The wide variety of vegetables contains a multitude of good bacteria that promotes a healthy bacterial mix in the gut.
Carrots and red peppers contain vitamins A and C, good for the skin and immune system. The fiber in these vegetables should stabilize blood sugar levels. To benefit from antioxidants and increase the nutritional density of this recipe, I suggest using fresh vegetable stock rather than concentrate.
Spaghetti with Grilled Asparagus and Pesto
Fresh basil and parsley are my favorite herbs to use. They not only add flavor but also have a variety of nutritional benefits! Parsley has been known to promote bowel movement and reduce bloating. Basil is known for its immune-boosting properties.
The combination of basil and pinenuts is a powerful immune booster. They also provide a healthy dose of fats to satisfy you and minerals such as zinc for skin, magnesium for sleep, and iron for healthy red blood cell production.