Winter Pasta Toss

Winter Pasta Toss Recipe - Delicious and Flavorful Pasta with Vegetables and Chickpeas

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Winter Pasta Toss is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for the colder months. This recipe is packed with a variety of vegetables, spices, and protein-rich chickpeas, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal.

History

This recipe draws inspiration from traditional Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors, combining ingredients like cinnamon, coriander, and cumin with vegetables and pasta. The addition of sweet potatoes, prunes, and olives adds a unique twist to this classic dish.

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil
4 shallots, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 inch piece peeled fresh gingerroot, minced
1 stalk celery, chopped
3 inches cinnamon stick
1.5 tsp ground coriander
1.5 tsp ground cumin
1.5 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
0.13 tsp cayenne pepper or to taste
32 oz (907 g) can crushed or diced tomatoes
1 large carrot, peeled and cut into chunks (1 cup)
0.33 lb (150 g) green beans, ends trimmed (2 cups)
1 small butternut squash or sweet potato, peeled and cut into chunks (3.5 cups)
0.5 head cauliflower, cut into florets (3 cups)
0.5 fennel bulb, trimmed and cut into chunks (2 cups)
vegetable stock or water as needed (see Note)
0.25 tsp crushed saffron
1 cup cooked or canned chickpeas (rinsed if canned)
0.5 cup pitted kalamata olives
0.5 cup halved pitted prunes
3 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

How to prepare

Mix all ingredients together.

Variations

Swap out the vegetables in this recipe for your favorites, such as broccoli, bell peppers, or zucchini.
Add cooked chicken or shrimp for an additional protein boost.
Experiment with different spices and herbs to customize the flavor profile of this dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To enhance the flavors of the spices, toast them in a dry skillet before adding them to the dish.

- Be sure to cook the vegetables until they are tender but still slightly crisp to maintain their texture and flavor.

- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your taste preferences for spiciness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Winter Pasta Toss with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. Garnish with additional fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to sauté the aromatics like shallots, garlic, and ginger until they are fragrant to build a flavorful base for the dish.

- Simmer the vegetables in the tomato sauce until they are tender but still retain their shape and texture.

- Stir in the chickpeas, olives, and prunes at the end of cooking to warm them through and incorporate their flavors into the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any type of pasta you prefer, such as whole wheat, gluten-free, or legume-based pasta.

- Substitute other beans like white beans or lentils for the chickpeas.

- Replace the prunes with dried apricots or raisins for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

This Winter Pasta Toss can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish each serving of Winter Pasta Toss with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for a beautiful presentation. Serve in individual bowls or on a large platter for a family-style meal.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this Winter Pasta Toss with a glass of red wine, such as a Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, to complement the rich flavors of the dish. A side of garlic bread or a simple green salad would also be a great accompaniment.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of this Winter Pasta Toss in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this Winter Pasta Toss contains approximately 350 calories, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal option.

Carbohydrates

This dish is a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy to fuel your day. The combination of pasta, vegetables, and chickpeas ensures a balanced intake of complex carbohydrates.

Fats

The olive oil in this recipe adds heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, while the olives provide additional healthy fats. This dish is a great way to incorporate beneficial fats into your diet.

Proteins

Chickpeas are a rich source of plant-based protein, making this dish a satisfying and filling meal. The combination of vegetables and chickpeas ensures a good balance of protein in this recipe.

Vitamins and minerals

This Winter Pasta Toss is packed with vitamins and minerals from the variety of vegetables included. Sweet potatoes are a great source of vitamin A, while green beans provide vitamin C. The addition of fennel and parsley adds a boost of vitamin K.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the pasta and may contain traces of nuts from the use of olive oil. Please be mindful of any allergies or dietary restrictions when preparing this dish.

Summary

Overall, this Winter Pasta Toss is a well-rounded and nutritious meal option, providing a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for the winter season.

Summary

Winter Pasta Toss is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for the colder months. Packed with a variety of vegetables, spices, and protein-rich chickpeas, this recipe is a satisfying and flavorful meal option. Enjoy this hearty pasta toss with your family and friends for a comforting and delicious dining experience.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Winter Pasta Toss. It was during a chilly winter evening many years ago, when I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy kitchen. Maria was a fantastic cook and always had the most delicious meals prepared for her guests.

As soon as I walked into her kitchen that evening, I was greeted by the warm and inviting aroma of garlic and herbs. Maria was bustling around the kitchen, chopping vegetables and boiling pasta on the stove. I couldn't help but ask her what she was making, as the dish looked and smelled absolutely amazing.

Maria turned to me with a smile and said, "I'm making my famous Winter Pasta Toss! It's a recipe I picked up during my travels in Italy, and it's the perfect comfort food for a cold winter night." She went on to explain the ingredients and the process of making the dish, and I was immediately intrigued.

I watched closely as Maria worked her magic in the kitchen, adding a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes to the pan. She then tossed in some cooked pasta, fresh herbs, and a generous sprinkling of Parmesan cheese. The dish came together beautifully, with vibrant colors and enticing aromas that made my mouth water.

As we sat down to enjoy the Winter Pasta Toss together, I took my first bite and was instantly hooked. The flavors were rich and satisfying, with a perfect balance of sweetness from the vegetables and savory notes from the cheese and herbs. It was a dish that warmed my soul and made me feel incredibly grateful for the simple pleasures of good food and good company.

After that evening, I couldn't get the Winter Pasta Toss out of my mind. I knew I had to recreate the recipe at home and share it with my own family and friends. So, I asked Maria for the recipe, and she graciously wrote it down for me on a piece of paper.

Over the years, I have made the Winter Pasta Toss countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my own tastes. I have added different vegetables, experimented with different herbs, and even tried substituting different types of pasta. But no matter how I prepare it, the dish always brings back fond memories of that winter evening in Maria's kitchen.

I have shared the recipe with many people over the years, including my children and grandchildren. They have all fallen in love with the Winter Pasta Toss, and it has become a beloved family favorite. Whenever I make it, the aroma of garlic and herbs fills my kitchen, bringing back memories of that special evening with Maria.

As I grow older, I realize that the true beauty of cooking lies not just in the flavors and textures of the food, but in the memories and stories that accompany each dish. The Winter Pasta Toss will always hold a special place in my heart, as a reminder of the joy and warmth that good food can bring into our lives.

So, if you ever find yourself in need of a comforting and delicious meal on a cold winter night, I urge you to give the Winter Pasta Toss a try. It may just become a favorite in your own kitchen, and who knows, maybe it will inspire you to create your own culinary memories and stories to pass down to future generations. Bon appétit!