| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 315 | 10g | 3g | 48g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 5g | 11g | 0.8g |
As a Southern belle, I’ve always appreciated hearty, flavor-packed dishes that bring comfort and satisfaction. ‘Spiny Amaranth and Tomato Pasta’ nails that sentiment perfectly for me. The surprising twist comes in the form of the humble garden green, Spiny Amaranth that peppers this pasta, taking it from a traditional Italian fare to a unique, healthful dish.
Flavourful Symphony for the Senses
As you’ve probably guessed, I’m a big fan of marrying tradition with creative twists, a talent I’ve honed through my many culinary adventures. This dish, a vibrant combination of spaghetti, fresh tomatoes, and Spiny Amaranth, is no exception. While it shares similar traits with the classic Marcella Hazan’s Tomato and Butter Sauce, the introduction of Spiny Amaranth gives it a unique edge, both in flavor profile and health perks.
Health in Every Bite
This pasta is not just about tantalizing tastes, it’s also about the terrific nutritional value brought to the table by Spiny Amaranth. This leafy green is loaded with nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants which have been linked to reducing inflammation, lowering cholesterol levels, and increasing weight loss. Spiny Amaranth is also a great source of Protein, vitamins A, C, K, B6, and minerals like Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Potassium, and Copper. Check this link to learn more about the health benefits of Amaranth.
With a dash of red pepper flakes for some heat, a dusting of Parmesan cheese for that cozy, familiar flavor, along with a hint of freshness from the basil leaves, ‘Spiny Amaranth and Tomato Pasta’ is a dance of flavors that is sure to ignite your senses. It’s wholesome, delicious comfort food with an innovative twist. Perfect on a laid-back weekend or when you want to introduce your dining table to some novel flavors.
Enjoy it stand-alone, or pair it with a glass of light, crisp Chianti Classico and crusty garlic bread. And if you’re in the mood for coastal flavors, then pair it with my Southern-style garlic-butter shrimp for a hearty, satisfying meal. ‘Spiny Amaranth and Tomato Pasta’ is a culinary treat that truly transforms the way we approach home-cooked pasta dishes.
What You’ll Need
- 12 ounces of spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 pound of fresh tomatoes, diced
- 1 cup of Spiny Amaranth leaves, washed and chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Method
Step One
Start by cooking the spaghetti. Follow the instructions on the package to cook until al dente. Once done, drain and set aside, saving some of the pasta water for later use.
Step Two
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fraggy. This should take roughly 3-5 minutes.
Step Three
Add the diced fresh tomatoes to the skillet, along with the red pepper flakes and some salt and black pepper to taste. Continue to sauté until the tomatoes soften and start to break down, this will take around 5-7 minutes.
Step Four
Add the chopped Spiny Amaranth leaves to the skillet, stirring to combine it well with the tomato mixture. Let it cook for around 3-5 minutes, or until the leaves have wilted down.
Step Five
Now, toss in the cooked spaghetti into the skillet, mixing well to evenly distribute the tomato and amaranth mixture. If the pasta seems too dry, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Step Six
Turn off the heat and sprinkle on the grated Parmesan cheese, again tossing everything together until the cheese has melted into the pasta. Season with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
Step Seven
Serve the pasta in bowls or plates, garnishing with fresh basil leaves. Your Spiny Amaranth and Tomato Pasta is ready to enjoy!
