| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 320 | 8g | 2g | 55g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 8g | 5g | 11g | 0.4g |
Do y’all know the feeling when a dish just sings out to your soul, filling it with warmth and reminiscence of a tender past? That’s precisely the feeling I get every time I dive into a bowl of Malabar Spinach and Tomato Spaghetti.
See, even though I’ve got Southern blood running through my veins, my palette embraces all! From biscuits and fried chicken to coastal seafood and beyond. This particular recipe dances the fine line between the south’s comfort food and the freshness that coastal cuisine imparts. If you are familiar with traditional Spinach and Tomato Pasta, this recipe offers a twist by adding the uniquely fascinating Malabar Spinach.
A Dish Balanced in Flavor and Health
The Malabar Spinach, with its slightly peppery and citrusy notes, harmonizes beautifully with the sweetness of ripe tomatoes. Not only is this combo a carnival for your taste buds, but packed to the brim with health benefits. Did you know Malabar Spinach is packed with Vitamins A, C, and iron? Meanwhile, tomatoes bring in an influx of Vitamin C and the antioxidant Lycopene. Add the whole grain benefits of spaghetti and the heart-healthy properties of olive oil… I reckon this is one scrumptious way to load up on your daily nutrients!
Dishes That Complement Malabar Spinach and Tomato Spaghetti
This Malabar Spinach and Tomato Spaghetti serves as a hearty meal on its own for sure. But should you want to complete your dining experience with some complementary dishes, might I suggest a classic southern lemon herb roasted chicken? The flavors in Ina Garten’s Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken pair excellently with our spaghetti!
Or maybe accompany your spaghetti with a fresh, crispy salad like this simple Arugula Salad from Bon Appétit. It adds just the right crisp to our pasta experience.
Whether you cherish this Malabar Spinach and Tomato Spaghetti all by itself, or polish it off with a companion dish, one thing’s certain – every bite will be an amalgamation of health, comfort, and sheer joy.
What You’ll Need
- 12 ounces of spaghetti
- 1 1/2 pounds of Malabar spinach
- 2 pounds of ripe tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon of fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon of fresh oregano, chopped
- 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, grated
Method
Step One
Start by boiling a large pot of water. Once the water is boiling, add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions, until it is al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside, reserving some of the pasta water for the sauce.
Step Two
While the pasta is boiling, wash and prepare the Malabar spinach and tomatoes. Roughly chop the spinach and cut the tomatoes into wedges.
Step Three
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once heated, add the minced garlic, sea salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook until the garlic is fragrant, stirring frequently. Do not let the garlic burn.
Step Four
Add the prepared tomatoes to the skillet. Cook until they start to break down and become juicy, stirring occasionally. This should take about 5 minutes. After this, add the chopped Malabar spinach and continue to cook until it has wilted, about another 5 minutes.
Step Five
Reduce the heat to low and add the cooked spaghetti into the skillet, tossing it gently with the tomato and spinach mixture. If the pasta seems too dry, add some of the reserved pasta water. The starchy pasta water will help the sauce stick to the spaghetti.
Step Six
Finish the dish by stirring in the chopped fresh basil and oregano. Top with the grated Parmesan cheese, give it one final toss, and then it’s ready to serve. Enjoy this delicious and hearty Malabar Spinach and Tomato Spaghetti.
