Pasta On The Table

 Easy And Delicious Pasta

Pasta has existed since the days of the Roman Empire and remains one of the most versatile cooking ingredients. No storage room or cupboard should be without it. It can be combined with meat, fish, vegetables, fruit, or even a simple herb sauce to create a mouthwatering and nutritious meal within minutes.

Value For Your Food Budget 

Most pasta is made from durum wheat flour and contains protein and carbohydrates. It is a good source of slow-release energy and has the additional advantage of being a value for money.

Pasta Is Known By Many Names and Varieties

There are as many different pasta shapes and many different names for them. New shapes are being designed and named all the time and the same shape might be called a different name in different regions. In Italy, some types of pasta are the agnolotti, anelli, bucatini, cannelloni, cappelletti, ditalini,  farfalle, fettuccine, fusilli, lasagna, linguini, macaroni, penne, ravioli, rigatoni, spaghetti and tagliatelle. 

Many pasta varieties can be found in both dried and fresh forms. With practice, the best pasta may be made fresh at home. It takes little time, but it is quite easy and well worth the effort. You can mix the dough by hand or prepare it in a food processor. Pasta may be colored and flavored with extra ingredients that are usually added with the beaten egg.

Cook The Pasta Well But Do Not Overcook

To cook pasta, first bring a large pan of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and one tablespoon of olive oil, but do not cover the pot or the water will boil over. Adjust the heat so the pot does not boil over but make sure the water is boiling.  Quickly bring the water back to a rolling boil and avoid overcooking. 

Stir occasionally to make sure the pasta does not stick to the pot or lump.  Do not over cook the pasta. When the pasta is tender, but still firm to the bite, drain the water.  

Flavor the pasta with butter, olive oil, or your favorite prepared sauce. Use the cooking times provided on the package. Here are guidelines only, but 8-10 minutes should be enough time to cook. Do not overcook. 

Pasta Is A Versatile Mealtime Ingredient 

Pasta can be used to make anything, from soups to more substantial pasta-based and filling meals. Pasta as a versatile ingredient, use pasta for many hearty and filling recipes. 

Make recipes that are as delicious and comforting. Use pasta  as a quick and easy lunch or light supper. Other pasta flavors, spinach pasta and wheat pasta, are subtle and delicate in flavor but can add color and variety to your recipes. Combining vegetables, meat, fish, and cheeses with a variety of pasta in your recipes will make nutritional and delicious meals from start to finish.

Here's A Recipe For Basil Pesto Sauce

2 cups packed fresh basil leaves (OR one cup basil and one cup arugula sprouts green)

2 cloves garlic preferred, but onion powder (spice will do fine)

1/4 cup pine nuts, or walnuts, or your favorite nuts

Between 1/2 or 2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil depending on how much oil you like.(Any light and tasty vegetable oil is okay)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1/2 cup freshly grated Pecorino Cheese, Romano, Parmesan, or your favorite grated Goat Cheese.

Combine the basil, garlic, and nuts in a food processor or blender and pulse until coarsely chopped (chop very finely if chopping with a knife). Add 1/2 cup of the oil and process until fully incorporated and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

If using immediately, add all the remaining oil and pulse until smooth. Transfer the pesto to a large serving bowl and mix in the cheese. Use desired amount in a bowl of pasta. Stir well to coat pasta evenly.

If freezing, transfer to an air-tight container and drizzle remaining oil over the top. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and stir in cheese. Use the sauce for pasta, soups, or as a spread smoothed on toast or fresh bread slices.

So delicious!

Enjoy!