Tuesday, 23 June 2009

• Vegetarian Dinner Inspirations: "Green Goddess" Pasta

  

  As a vegetarian, I'm always on the lookout for dinner entrees that contain a healthy blend of protein, carbs, and fresh vegetables. This dish, which I call "Green Goddess" Pasta (because of all the vibrant green veggies), is my take on a recipe from Real Simple magazine. The edamame is an excellent source of protein for vegetarians, and soy protein, like edamame, has been shown to reduce risk of cancer and heart disease.

  What you'll need:

  1 box orecchiette pasta (also called ear pasta because of the shape!)

  1 bunch leeks

  2 cloves garlic

  1 zucchini, chopped

  1 can artichoke hearts, quartered

  3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan or pecorino cheese

  1/2 cup chopped Italian parsley

  1 bag frozen edamame, shelled

  Olive oil

  Salt and pepper to taste
  

  1. Start by boiling the pasta water. As it's boiling, prepare the leeks by removing the roots and the dark green leaves, and keep only the whire and light green stalk. Slice and chop to desired size. Begin cooking pasta. 

  

   
  

  2. Slice zucchini, then cut into quarters. 

  
  

  3. Mince garlic cloves. You can always buy pre-minced garlic in a jar to save time, but using fresh makes a big difference.

  
  

  4. Mix the garlic, zucchini, and leeks in a bowl. Set aside. Check on pasta - should be boiling away!

  

   
  

  5. Grate cheese and combine in a bowl with the artichokes and the chopped parsley. I also added some mint that I had left over in the fridge. 

  

  

  

  
  

  6. When pasta is done, drain and pour into large serving bowl. Add the leek mixture to a large saucepan (I used the pasta pot!) with a generous helping of olive oil, salt, and pepper, and sauté until soft for about 5-7 minutes.  

  

  

  
  

  7. Add cheese mixture to bowl with pasta and mix well. Cook edamame according to directions (I steamed mine in the microwave) and add to pasta. Finally, add sautéed leek mixture to pasta and stir well. Use salt and pepper to taste.

  

  

  
  

  8. Bon veggie appetit!

  

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