| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 537 | 19g | 3g | 85g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 22g | 8g | 15g | 0.8g |
One of my all-time favorite culinary fusions is the Spaghetti with Blue Fenugreek and Garlic; a delightful twist on the traditional Italian cuisine that reflects my Afro-Southern heritage. This is a fruit-based recipe that dances at the intersection of sweet and savory while brimming with a delightful zest and aroma.
The Roots of My Love Affair
My Nigerian parents loved to mix things up in the kitchen, adding a touch of West Africa to our Southern dishes. Their penchant for creativity and improvisation nurtured my own; the same kitchen philosophy that led me to this daring take on spaghetti. Borrowing its fiery edge from Nigerian spice profiles and its comforting warmth from Southern home cooking, Spaghetti with Blue Fenugreek and Garlic is a genuine taste of my culinary roots.
The Harmonious Blend of Flavors
The amalgamation of spaghetti, fruits, herbs, and spices in this recipe creates á gastronome’s dream, a harmonious blend of unexpected yet welcome flavors. The heat of the red pepper flakes is cooled by the juicy sweetness of the seasonal fruit, while the blue fenugreek—an exotic transformation of the more familiar spice—imparts a unique flavor that sets this dish apart.
Spiced With Health Benefits
Not only is this recipe bursting with flavor, it’s also teeming with health benefits. Blue fenugreek, for instance, contains anti-inflammatory properties and helps in digestion. Garlic is renowned for its heart-health and antioxidant properties, while fruits and herbs provide a rich dose of vitamins and minerals. No wonder I can’t get enough of this dish!
Perfect Partners in the Culinary Dance
This recipe’s versatility makes it a perfect partner with a variety of dishes. The freshness and zest of the spaghetti marries well with grilled meats or fish, while the fruit and herb theme offers a nice contrast to a hearty steak or roast chicken. Moreover, if you’re a fan of Italian classics like lasagna or chicken parmigiano, you’ll find our Spaghetti with Blue Fenugreek and Garlic to be a delightful and refreshing companion dish.
So, when you’re ready for an adventure, come join me on a culinary journey. Let’s cook, savor, and love this exquisite fusion of flavors together. Here’s to Spaghetti with Blue Fenugreek and Garlic and many more splendid culinary fusions!
Learn more about the health benefits of Blue Fenugreek.
What You’ll Need
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 2 tsp blue fenugreek
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 1 1/2 lbs mixed fresh seasonal fruit (for example strawberries, peaches, nectarines, etc)
- 3/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for garnish, optional
Method
Step One
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving about a cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
Step Two
Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, warm the extra-virgin olive oil. Add the thinly sliced garlic and cook until it starts to turn golden, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the blue fenugreek and red pepper flakes and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step Three
Next, add the lemon juice and zest, and mix well. Then add the fresh seasonal fruit, reducing the heat to low, and cook for around 5-7 minutes, until the fruit is softened. Sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Step Four
Pour the spaghetti into the skillet and mix to coat the pasta with the flavored oil. If needed, add some of the reserved pasta water to moisten. Add the chopped fresh parsley and basils leaves, and stir until evenly distributed.
Step Five
Finally, remove from heat and let the pasta rest for a few minutes to absorb the flavors. Serve the spaghetti hot with a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese if desired.
