Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
315 | 9g | 2g | 49g |
sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
5g | 4g | 10g | 0.4g |
As a fervent enthusiast of the culinary world, I have explored and crafted a multitude of recipes, but there’s something genuinely extraordinary about the Moringa Pasta Sauce. Every scoop of this vibrant, nutritious sauce, featured in the image below, imparts a cascade of compelling flavors that not only excite the taste buds but also bestow a bouquet of health benefits.
A Splash of Health and Flavor
If you’re pursuing a culinary adventure that’s healthy, delectable, vegan-friendly–and as an added bonus, a noticeable departure from the typical seafood creations I’m known for–this pasta sauce definitely merits your attention. At its core, it’s packed with Moringa, often termed as the ‘Miracle Tree.’ Renowned for its medicinal properties, Moringa is rich in vitamins A, B, and C, calcium, iron, proteins, and antioxidants. Building on this superfood’s benefits, this sauce adds a medley of fresh vegetables and herbs, each contributing a unique bouquet of flavors, textures, and health benefits.
Universal Acclaim
Another charm of this Moringa Pasta Sauce is its versatility. It tells a flavorful story, not unlike a traditional Italian Marinara or the British Bolognese sauce, with its blend of ripe tomatoes, onions, garlic, and red bell peppers. Yet, it stands distinctly apart with its inclusion of Moringa leaves, turning an everyday pasta dish into a verdant gastronomical delight. Whether it’s the kids’ lunchbox pasta or a sophisticated spaghetti dinner for friends, this sauce is a sure-fire delight.
Pair this sauce with a myriad of dishes, from a simple grilled chicken breast for the meat-lovers to a delicious vegetable stir-fry for the vegans out there. It’s also an excellent companion for flatbreads and can work wonders as a topping on gourmet bruschetta.
Sauce like this, marrying rich flavors and a health-conscious ingredient list, brings to mind the Mediterranean diet’s basic principles. It’s no secret that following a Mediterranean-style eating pattern contributes significantly to good health and longevity. For more information on a Mediterranean diet and its benefits, check out the Mayo Clinic’s remedial perspective.
As someone who was born and raised in Portland, I find this recipe gives me a break from the region’s seafood dominance. Though my daughters Erin and Samantha share my love for seafood, they appreciate and adore the striking flavors of the Moringa Pasta Sauce. And, as a parent, nothing brings me more satisfaction than knowing I’ve served them a meal that’s as healthy as it is delicious.
In conclusion, the Moringa Pasta Sauce is more than just another recipe; it’s a celebration of health, packed with vitamins, minerals and flavors that shout ‘freshness’ with every bite. I hope you and your family enjoy it as much as mine does.
What You’ll Need
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 1 cup fresh tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons fresh Moringa leaves, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh basil, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh oregano, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3/4 cup vegetable broth
- 1 pound pasta, cooked according to package instructions
Method
Step One
Heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion to the pan and sauté until it is soft and translucent.
Step Two
Add the finely chopped garlic to the pan and continue sautéing for another minute, until the garlic is fragrant.
Step Three
Add the finely chopped tomatoes, red bell pepper, and Moringa leaves to the saucepan. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Step Four
Next, add the finely chopped basil and oregano to the saucepan, followed by the salt, freshly ground black pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine all the seasonings with the other ingredients.
Step Five
Stir in the tomato paste, making sure that it fully incorporates with the other ingredients in the pan. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring continuously to prevent any burning.
Step Six
Pour the vegetable broth into the saucepan, stir, and let the sauce simmer for about 20 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together.
Step Seven
While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling water according to the package instructions.
Step Eight
When the pasta is ready, drain it and add it to the saucepan. Toss the pasta with the Moringa sauce to ensure that it is fully coated. Serve and enjoy your delicious Moringa Pasta Sauce!