Spaghetti Being Served Source of Gif: Giphy
October is National Pasta Month and the celebration was started by the National Pasta Association. This month celebrates pasta recipes from around the world and the health benefits of eating pasta.
Some Facts About Pasta
Jamie Oliver Cooking Pasta Source: Wix Media
Pasta provides you with a way to add more vegetables to your diet, lean meat, poultry and fish.. There are many pasta recipes that use only vegetables and no meat. This can be a way to get your children and adults to eat more vegetables. You can add tomatoes, peppers, onions, mushrooms and other vegetables to the sauce. Pasta can be served hot or cold.
Pasta has nutrients that contributes to good health. It has folate, iron, magnesium, fiber, and Vitamin E. Because it is a complex carbohydrate it breaks down more slowly and gives your body energy. Enriched pasta, whole wheat, and gluten free are all good sources of nutrients.
In the US people consume about 20 pounds of pasta annually. It is an affordable meal high in nutrition. Most consumer eat pasta at least once a week.
A Brief History of Pasta
Historical Past Drawing Photo Source: Chiparte Mendo Blogspot
Pasta came to the US from travelers that toured Italy and returned to the US bringing recipes with them. Citizens that immigrated to the US brought recipes with them from where they had lived. .
In 1789 Thomas Jefferson brought the first macaroni machine to the US in 1789. It was during the time he served as an ambassador to France. The first industrial pasta factory opened in Brooklyn in 1948. Pasta production expanded in the 19th century giving consumers a variety of options.
Pasta recipes come from all over the world. During this month why not try a new recipe. There are many different types of pasta angel hair, cavatelli, shells, farfalle, fettuccine, penne, lasagna, rotini, spaghetti, and ziti. Why not try a new type of pasta this month.
North Dakota remains the largest producer of durum wheat pasta in the United States. They produce about 60% of durum wheat in the US.
Ways to Celebrate National Pasta Month
Child Eating Pasta Source: Wix Media
Visit your local Italian restaurant and eat there or order takeout. Try a new pasta dish your never had before. Dine in the restaurant with family or friends or takeout and eat at home.
Look for a recipe online, buy the ingredients, and make it at home for friends and family. Get a cookbook from your local library or bookstore about pasta. Try some new recipes at home. Let your children help you prepare the recipes.
Organize a party at work or for your club for lunch or dinner. Have everyone bring a hot or cold pasta entree.
Try a new soup recipe with pasta in it that you never had before. This is a chance to expand your culinary tastes.
Spaghetti and Meatballs Photo Source: Wikipedia
Broccoli Rabe With White Beans and Cavatelli
Broccoli Rabe With Pasta Photo Source: Biological Cuisine
You will need a frying pan, cutting board, knife, garlic press, measuring spoons, colander or strainer, measuring cups, medium bowl, and pasta pot.
Tip: If you enjoy pasta sauce add it after the broccoli rabe and pasta are cooked. Add it hot after you put it on the plate. It adds extra flavor to the dish.
If your family does not like broccoli use 1 bunch or bag of fresh spinach washed and chopped fine.
1 bunch of fresh broccoli rabe chopped and stem discarded or fresh spinach
1 can of white beans rinsed
2 tablespoons of olive oil
6 fresh garlic cloves peeled and minced
1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
1/2 cup of vegetable broth
1 lb. of cavatelli
Optional: 1 jar of your favorite pasta sauce heated
In a bowl of warm water soak the broccoli rabe or spinach with stem removed for five minutes. Strain and put aside. In a medium sized frying pan add two tablespoons of olive oil. Peel about six garlic cloves, remove peel and discard, put through a garlic press and add to the pan.
Over medium heat cook the garlic. Chop the broccoli rabe chop on the cutting board into bite size pieces and add to pan. Cook for five minutes add vegetable broth to help cook well. Add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Let it cook for 15 to 20 minutes over medium heat.
Meanwhile in another pan boil water and add oil and salt. When it boils cook the cavatelli about 8 minutes or according to package directions. Heat the sauce if you choose to add it in a container in the microwave or in a pan on the stove. Drain the cavatelli and put in a large bowl, add the cooked broccoli rabe and mix well. Add the heated sauce and serve if desired. Serves 4.
Pasta With Seafood Photo Source: Wix Media
References and Where to Find Pasta Recipes
Share The Pasta: National Pasta Association
Taste Atlas Pasta Dishes From Around the World
People Enjoying Pasta Dinner :Photo Source: Raw Pixel
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