Pasta with vegetable and nut sauce

Pasta with Vegetable and Walnut Sauce – A Recipe Full of Flavor and Color

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 4

In a world where gastronomy becomes an art, the recipe for pasta with vegetable and walnut sauce proves to be a perfect choice for those who want to savor a tasty, healthy, and easy-to-make dish. This recipe not only offers a delicious combination of flavors but also brings a touch of freshness through the vegetables used. Its origins are lost in the mists of time when simple and healthy meals were the order of the day, and fresh ingredients from the garden were the most appreciated.

Ingredients:

- 1 bunch of green onions (about 100 g)
- 500 g tomatoes (fresh or canned, as preferred)
- 1 medium red bell pepper
- 1 garlic clove
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil (or sunflower oil)
- 1 bunch of fresh basil
- 400 g tubular pasta (penne or rigatoni are ideal)
- 100 g walnut kernels
- Salt and ground pepper, to taste
- 50 g grated cheese (optional, for extra flavor)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by cleaning the green onions. Wash them well under cold running water and slice them into rounds. Make sure to use the green part as well, which will add a note of freshness to the sauce. The red bell pepper should also be washed, seeded, and cut into thin strips. Blanch the tomatoes to make them easier to peel, then dice them. Peel and finely chop the garlic, bringing that unmistakable aroma to the dish. Wash and dry the basil, and roughly chop the leaves.

2. Preparing the sauce: In a large skillet, add the two tablespoons of oil and, over medium heat, sauté the green onions and red bell pepper. They will start to release their flavors into the oil. After a few minutes, add the chopped garlic and diced tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper, mixing well. Let the sauce simmer, uncovered, for 10-12 minutes, until the vegetables become tender and the flavors combine.

3. Boiling the pasta: In a separate pot, bring water to a boil and add salt. When the water is boiling, add the tubular pasta. Boil them al dente, according to the package instructions, usually about 8 minutes. It is important not to overcook them to maintain their crunchy texture.

4. Finalizing the dish: After the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it directly to the skillet with the vegetable sauce. Mix well to combine all the ingredients. The coarsely chopped walnut kernels are added at this moment, bringing a crunchy note and a special flavor. Mix once more to ensure everything is well combined.

5. Serving: Serve the pasta immediately, sprinkling grated cheese on top, which will melt slightly upon contact with the hot dish. You can also add a few fresh basil leaves for decoration and to enhance the flavors.

Useful tips:

- Vegetarian option: If you want to keep the recipe vegetarian, you can replace the cheese with vegan parmesan or omit it entirely. The vegetables are already full of nutrients and flavor.
- Walnut kernels: You can also use other types of nuts, such as pecans or almonds, to diversify the taste.
- Suitable drinks: This dish pairs excellently with a dry white wine or a refreshing herbal tea, such as mint tea.

Nutritional benefits:

Pasta is a good source of carbohydrates, necessary for energy, while the vegetables add essential vitamins and minerals. Walnut kernels are rich in healthy fats, proteins, and antioxidants, contributing to a balanced diet. This recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious, making it an excellent choice for a quick lunch or dinner.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use whole grain pasta? Yes, whole grain pasta is an excellent choice for an added boost of fiber and nutrients.
2. Is it possible to prepare the sauce in advance? Sure! You can prepare the sauce a day ahead and keep it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, just reheat it and add the cooked pasta.
3. What kind of tomatoes should I use? Fresh tomatoes are ideal, but you can also use canned tomatoes, depending on the season and availability.

This recipe for pasta with vegetable and walnut sauce is not only simple and quick but also full of flavors that will delight your taste buds. Give it a try and enjoy every bite!

 Ingredients: 1 bunch green onions, 500 g tomatoes, 1 red bell pepper, 1 clove garlic, 2 tablespoons oil, 1 bunch basil, 400 g tubular pasta, 100 g walnut kernels, salt, ground pepper, grated cheese

 Tags:  paste tomatoes basil green onion red pepper nut