| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 25 mins – 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 355 | 11.5g | 3.4g | 58g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 7g | 5g | 11g | 0.5g |
Rooted in the heartland of Nebraska, there’s a sense of authenticity and rawness to my recipes, all based on the farm-to-table freshness of every ingredient. This particular one, the Pasta with Fat Hen and Tomato Sauce recipe, draws its strengths from the simplicity of its ingredients that all come together to create a harmonious symphony of flavors that cuts right through the heart, recreating Midwestern comfort. This recipe is not just a personal favorite but also a testament to my own culinary roots and values.
The Magic of Fat Hen
One of the unique ingredients in this Pasta with Fat Hen and Tomato Sauce recipe is the fat hen, otherwise known as lamb’s quarters – a historical food plant packed with essential nutrients. A perfect illustration of “eating green,” its health benefits include high mineral and vitamin content, especially vitamins A, C, and K, and it’s even believed to have medicinal properties. Carefully sauteed in olive oil, it not only seals those nutrients within, but brings out a robust, earthy flavor that rounds out the sauce perfectly. You can learn more about the benefits of fat hen from this external link.
Embracing Simplicity
This recipe, on the surface, may seem very similar to a classic Italian pasta. Yet, it stands apart due to its integration of the quintessential American ingredient, fat hen. Making each bite savory yet comforting, it’s a bridge between the familiar and the novel. The core foundation of the recipe – the tomato sauce – is a flavourful combination of onions, garlic, and crushed tomatoes, all seasoned perfectly with salt, pepper, and a hint of sugar. Topped off with fresh basil and a generous shaving of Parmesan cheese, it truly becomes a masterpiece in its own right.
I love pairing this dish with a simple garden salad seasoned with a zesty vinaigrette in summer, or a hearty homemade bread during chillier months – the perfect companion dishes to round off any meal. The recipe for the homemade bread can be found here.
From church gatherings to family dinners, this Pasta with Fat Hen and Tomato Sauce is a classic comfort dish that could be the centerpiece of your table. It’s a slice of home-cooking excellence and a tribute to the heartland’s nutritive bounty that I’m thrilled to share with you, through every bite, a piece of my warm Nebraskan hearth.
What You’ll Need
- 12 ounces of spaghetti or other pasta long
- 4 cups of fat hen (lamb’s quarters), chopped
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) of crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of sugar
- 2 tablespoons of fresh basil, chopped
- 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, grated
Method
Step One
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cooking your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step Two
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until it is translucent and soft.
Step Three
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook until it is fragrant, be careful not to burn it. This should take about 1 minute.
Step Four
Now, add your fat hen to the skillet. Cook until it is wilted and a vibrant green in color.
Step Five
Add the can of crushed tomatoes, salt, black pepper, and sugar to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step Six
Once your sauce has simmered, add the fresh basil and cooked pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the sauce.
Step Seven
Finally, sprinkle the pasta with the grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy your Pasta with Fat Hen and Tomato Sauce!
