| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 345 | 8g | 2g | 60g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 8g | 7g | 12g | 0.2g |
As a cook who’s deeply in love with food, there’s a special place in my heart for dishes that breathe life into forgotten or underappreciated ingredients. This Breadfruit Pasta is a perfect example. The first reason I simply adore this recipe is that it features breadfruit, a tropical fruit with a fascinating history that’s incredibly versatile and delicious cooking ingredient. Much like my passion for showcasing the allure of New England seafood, I delight in bringing lesser-known ingredients into the spotlight.
A Masterful Fusion of Tastes
One thing many may be unaware of is that breadfruit has a naturally creamy texture and a slightly sweet, potato-like flavor. When paired with the savory goodness of olive oil, onions, garlic, and tomatoes, breadfruit transforms into the superstar of a pasta dish, blending with these ingredients to deliver an irreplaceable richness and depth of flavor. It’s similar in its versatility to something like butternut squash and can work beautifully in tandem with a wide variety of other flavors.
Health-boosting and Delicious
Something else I should mention about this Breadfruit Pasta is that it’s an excellent way to add more fiber and antioxidants to your diet, thanks to the star ingredient itself: breadfruit. It’s been gaining recognition amongst food lovers and health experts alike not just for its culinary potential, but also for its numerous health benefits. Antioxidant-rich, heart-healthy, and packed with fiber, it’s a food that tastes good and is great for your body.
Finally, let’s not forget the perfectly-cooked pasta, the sprinkling of parmesan cheese, and the freshness of basil leaves, all of which round out the flavors and bring the entire dish together. Together, they complement the breadfruit and pique your palate in a way that’s simultaneously comforting and novel – much like the feeling I strive to invoke in my daughters, Erin and Samantha, whenever I cook for them.
From its unique and flavorful ingredients to its health-promoting benefits, this Breadfruit Pasta is a recipe I love, and I’m sure you will too. Give it a try; you might discover a new favorite! And if you enjoy this, consider exploring other recipes that combine starchy fruits with pasta – such as Zucchini Ribbon Pasta or Seafood Spaghetti. Because as I always say, the journey of food exploration is never-ending and always rewarding. Bon appetit!
What You’ll Need
- 1 large breadfruit
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 pound uncooked pasta
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil
Method
Step One
Start by peeling the large breadfruit and remove its core. Afterwards, cut it into approximately 1-inch cubes.
Step Two
Next, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add your finely chopped onion along with the minced garlic. Continue to sauté them until they are soft and fragrant.
Step Three
At this point, add the prepared breadfruit cubes into the pan. Season them with your half teaspoon of salt and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper. Stir the contents of the pan well to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
Step Four
Now, pour the whole can of diced tomatoes into the pan. Make sure to include the juice for added flavor. Let this mixture cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the breadfruit becomes tender.
Step Five
While your breadfruit is cooking, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the pound of uncooked pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions. When it’s cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step Six
When your breadfruit is tender, add the cooked pasta into the pan. Toss well to ensure that the pasta is fully covered with the breadfruit and tomato mixture.
Step Seven
Lastly, top your breadfruit pasta dish with a third cup of grated Parmesan cheese and a third cup of fresh chopped basil. Stir it well and allow it to cook for a few more minutes just until the cheese melts.
Step Eight
And there you have it, your delicious Breadfruit Pasta is now ready to be served. Enjoy!
