Are you a noodle lover? Then celebrate National Noodle Month! Pasta, a mainly wheat product, is well known for its energy-producing complex carbs. Enriched and fortified, its folic acid helps prevent birth defects and may promote heart health, its iron protects against anemia, and its B vitamins help your body produce energy.
Those with celiac disease (gluten intolerance) or wheat allergies can find noodles that are made from other grains (barley, rice), beans, and starchy vegetables. Check the ingredient list to be sure wheat flour isn’t used, too.
Consider so many pasta-abilities! Some hints to start: 1 pound of uncooked pasta equals 8 cups cooked pasta; tomato-based sauces usually have fewer calories and less fat than creamy white sauces.
- Create your signature pasta dish with this recipe “formula”: 1 pound uncooked pasta + 4 cups vegetables + 2 to 3 cups cheese and/or lean meat, poultry, or fish + 1 to 2 cups sauce + 1/4 to 1/2 cup flavoring ingredients (fresh herbs, onion, other) + salt and pepper to taste. (Source: Adapted from National Pasta Association)
- Make pasta primavera with veggies of your choice to celebrate the upcoming start of spring. Use the recipe formula above. Slice and stir-fry fresh vegetables like these for your great pasta dish: asparagus, broccoli, carrots, bell pepper (red, orange, or green), green beans, mushrooms, spinach, tomato, zucchini, leftover veggies—whatever else you like!
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