Pasta and Peanut Salad

Pasta and Peanut Salad Recipe from Guinea with Green Beans and Carrots

Region / culture: Guinea | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Pasta and Peanut Salad is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines the flavors of pasta, vegetables, and a creamy peanut dressing. This recipe is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a summer barbecue.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on traditional pasta salad recipes, incorporating the popular flavor combination of peanuts and soy sauce. The addition of crunchy vegetables and a tangy dressing makes this dish a refreshing and flavorful option for any occasion.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) pasta
1 tsp oil
0.5 lb (227 g) green beans, blanched and cut into 0.47 inch pieces
2 large carrots, thinly sliced crosswise
2 large cucumbers, quartered, seeded, and thinly sliced
8 scallions (with green tops), sliced into 0.26 inch pieces
0.33 cup roasted peanuts, coarsely chopped

Dressing

0.5 cup peanut butter
2 tsp soy sauce
2 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp hot water (previously boiled, filtered, and bleached)
piment to taste
0.25 tsp ground cumin
0.13 tsp turmeric

How to prepare

Cook the pasta until it is just tender in plenty of boiling water to which 1 tbsp of oil has been added.
Drain the pasta, rinse it with cold water, and drain it again.
Place the pasta in a large bowl.
Add the blanched beans, carrots, cucumbers, and scallions to the bowl and toss the ingredients to combine them.
In a small bowl, combine all the dressing ingredients.
To serve, add the dressing to the pasta-vegetable mixture and toss the salad well.
Sprinkle the salad with the chopped peanuts.

Variations

Add diced bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for extra color and flavor.
Substitute almond butter or tahini for the peanut butter for a different twist on the dressing.
Mix in cooked shrimp or tofu for added protein.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to rinse the pasta with cold water after cooking to prevent it from sticking together.

- Blanching the green beans before adding them to the salad helps to retain their vibrant green color and crisp texture.

- Toasting the peanuts before chopping them will enhance their nutty flavor and add a crunchy texture to the salad.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Pasta and Peanut Salad as a side dish for grilled chicken or tofu, or enjoy it on its own as a light and refreshing meal. This salad pairs well with a glass of iced tea or a crisp white wine.

Cooking Techniques

Blanching the green beans helps to retain their vibrant color and crisp texture.

- Toasting the peanuts before chopping them enhances their flavor and adds a crunchy texture to the salad.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier option.

- Substitute cashews or almonds for the peanuts if desired.

- Swap out the green beans for snap peas or asparagus for a different twist.

Make Ahead Tips

Pasta and Peanut Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply toss the salad with the dressing and peanuts just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Pasta and Peanut Salad with fresh cilantro leaves or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a decorative touch. Serve the salad in a large bowl or on individual plates for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or tofu. Serve it alongside a fresh fruit salad or a side of steamed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Pasta and Peanut Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply microwave the salad for a few seconds or enjoy it cold straight from the fridge.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Pasta and Peanut Salad contains approximately 350 calories. This dish is a satisfying and nutritious option for a light meal or side dish.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Pasta and Peanut Salad contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body and can help fuel your daily activities.

Fats

This dish is rich in healthy fats from the peanuts and peanut butter. Fats are essential for absorbing certain vitamins and minerals, as well as providing long-lasting energy.

Proteins

With the addition of peanuts, this salad provides a good amount of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body. Each serving contains approximately 12 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Pasta and Peanut Salad is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the vegetables and peanuts, as well as iron and magnesium from the pasta and nuts.

Alergens

This recipe contains peanuts and soy sauce, which are common allergens. Be sure to check for any food allergies before serving this dish to guests.

Summary

Overall, Pasta and Peanut Salad is a well-rounded dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a flavorful and satisfying option for a light meal or side dish.

Summary

Pasta and Peanut Salad is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines the creamy richness of peanut butter with the crunch of fresh vegetables and roasted peanuts. This recipe is a great option for a light lunch or side dish, and can be customized with your favorite ingredients and flavors. Enjoy this delicious salad on its own or paired with your favorite grilled meats or tofu for a complete and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, the kind where the sun kisses your skin and the birds sing sweet melodies. I had just finished a long day of work in the garden, tending to my tomatoes and green beans, when my dear friend Martha came over for a visit.

Martha was always full of surprises, and on this particular day, she brought with her a dish that I had never seen before. It was a Pasta and Peanut Salad, a colorful concoction of pasta, peanuts, and a variety of fresh vegetables. I had never heard of such a dish, let alone tasted it, but Martha assured me that it was a family recipe that had been passed down through generations.

As we sat down at the kitchen table, Martha began to tell me the story behind the Pasta and Peanut Salad. She explained that her grandmother had learned the recipe from a dear friend who had traveled to a distant land and brought back the flavors of the exotic cuisine she had experienced. Inspired by these new flavors, Martha's grandmother had recreated the dish in her own kitchen, adding her own twist to make it uniquely her own.

I was captivated by Martha's story, and I could see the passion and love that she had for this recipe. I was eager to learn more, and Martha was more than happy to share the recipe with me. As she walked me through the steps, I could see the care and attention to detail that went into making this dish. From boiling the pasta just right to roasting the peanuts to perfection, every step was crucial in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

After a few hours of cooking and chatting, the Pasta and Peanut Salad was finally ready. The colors of the vegetables popped against the creamy pasta and crunchy peanuts, creating a visual feast for the eyes. As I took my first bite, I was transported to a world of flavors and aromas that I had never experienced before. The sweetness of the peanuts paired perfectly with the tangy dressing, creating a harmonious blend of tastes that danced on my tongue.

From that moment on, the Pasta and Peanut Salad became a staple in my kitchen. I would make it for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just for myself on lazy Sunday afternoons. Each time I made the dish, I would think of Martha and her grandmother, and the love and care that went into creating this recipe. I would savor every bite, knowing that I was carrying on a tradition that had been passed down through generations.

As the years went by, I began to experiment with the recipe, adding my own twist here and there to make it uniquely my own. I would swap out the vegetables for whatever was in season, or add a touch of spice for an extra kick. But no matter how much I changed the recipe, the core flavors of the Pasta and Peanut Salad remained the same, a testament to the enduring power of a good recipe.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen, surrounded by the familiar sights and smells of home, I can't help but smile as I think back to that fateful day when Martha introduced me to the Pasta and Peanut Salad. It may have been a simple dish, but it opened up a world of flavors and possibilities that I never knew existed. And for that, I will always be grateful to Martha and her grandmother, for sharing their recipe and their love with me.