Fusilli pasta with sauce and olives

Fusilli with Olive Sauce and Vegetables

I propose a delicious and comforting recipe for fusilli with olive sauce and vegetables, perfect for a quick and tasty dinner. This dish combines the delicate flavors of fresh vegetables with the unmistakable taste of olives, and the rich sauce adds a touch of refinement. Additionally, it is a versatile recipe that you can easily adapt based on the ingredients you have on hand.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients
- 3 small onions
- 1 small carrot, grated
- 300 g fusilli (or spaghetti, as preferred)
- 150 g unsalted olives
- 2 slices of lemon
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- A few peppercorns
- 2 bay leaves
- A few sprigs of fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon of flour, diluted in a small cup of water
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste

Recipe Story
Pasta recipes have a rich history, being appreciated for centuries for their versatility. Fusilli is a type of pasta originating from Italy, but today it is loved worldwide. This simple and quick recipe combines tradition with healthy ingredients, providing a meal that satisfies both taste and nutritional needs.

Step-by-step preparation
1. Preparing the vegetables: Start by chopping the onions into small cubes. In a large skillet, heat 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and let it sauté over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.

2. Adding flavors: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of salt over the onion to help it release its juices. Cover the onion with water, allowing it to simmer for 5 minutes, creating a delicious base for the sauce.

3. Including the vegetables: When the water has reduced, add the grated carrot, olives, bay leaves, pepper, and enough water to cover the ingredients by about two fingers. Cover the skillet and let it simmer on low heat for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.

4. Boiling the pasta: In the meantime, in a separate pot, bring water to a boil and add a pinch of salt. When the water is boiling, add the fusilli and cook according to the package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes, until al dente.

5. Preparing the sauce: After the vegetables have cooked, add 2 tablespoons of tomato paste to the skillet. Mix well. In a small cup, dilute 1 teaspoon of flour in warm water and stir until smooth. Pour this mixture over the sauce in the skillet, straining it to avoid lumps.

6. Combining the pasta with the sauce: Drain the water from the fusilli and add the pasta to the delicious sauce. Mix well to coat them evenly with the sauce. Add the lemon slices, which will bring a fresh taste and a hint of acidity.

7. Finalizing the dish: Let everything simmer together for another 5 minutes, then turn off the heat. Before serving, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for an extra splash of color and flavor.

Serving suggestions
This fusilli with olive sauce recipe is perfect to be served alongside a fresh green salad or a salad of tomatoes and cucumbers. Additionally, a bottle of dry white wine or a refreshing lemonade will perfectly complement the meal.

Possible variations
To customize the recipe, you can add other vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. You can also experiment with different types of pasta, such as penne or tagliatelle. If you prefer a more intense flavor, add some green or black olives to the sauce.

Nutritional benefits
This recipe is not only tasty but also healthy. Olives are rich in antioxidants and healthy fats, while the vegetables provide essential vitamins and fiber. In total, a serving of fusilli with olive sauce has about 350 calories, depending on the exact ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use whole grain pasta? Of course! Whole grain pasta will add extra fiber and nutrients.
- How can I make the recipe vegetarian? This recipe is already vegetarian. Just make sure to use meat-free broth.
- Can it be frozen? It is recommended to consume the dish fresh, but you can freeze the sauce separately and then reheat it when you want to serve.

I encourage you to try this delicious recipe and personalize it as you wish! With each preparation, you will improve your cooking skills and discover new flavor combinations. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 3 small onions; 1 small grated carrot; 1 bowl of spaghetti; 1 bowl of unsalted olives; 2 slices of lemon; 1 teaspoon of salt; a few peppercorns and bay leaves; a few sprigs of parsley; 1 teaspoon of flour diluted in a cup of water; 2 tablespoons of broth.