QUICK AND EASY PEANUTY PASTA
This is a super easy, versatile and flavorful pasta and a favorite in our home.
Tip 1: I generally double or triple (sometimes even quadruple) the peanut sauce, so I have extra for salads etc. Sauce can be kept in the refrigerator for a few days.
Tip 2: I am using fettuccine here, but you can use any kind of pasta.
Tip 3: You can vary the vegetables to your liking. I use a variety of different vegetables depending on what I have in the fridge. These vegetables saute quickly. If you use broccoli etc., you can throw it in with the pasta for the last 5 minutes that the pasta is cooking and drain it with the pasta.
INGREDIENTS:
PASTA:
12 oz of whole wheat fettuccine
COOKED VEGGIES:
2 bell peppers – chopped
red cabbage – 1 cup chopped
1 yellow squash – chopped
Kale – 2 cups (any greens can work depending on what you like) stemmed and sliced in this pieces.
14 oz package of firm tofu – cup into small squares.
PEANUT SAUCE:
½ cup of peanut butter
⅓ cup of Braggs Liquid Aminos or low sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons of rice vinegar
1 tablespoons of lime juice
⅓ cup of maple syrup
2 cloves of garlic peeled and sliced
1 tablespoon of fresh ginger peeled and sliced or a ¼ teaspoon of dried ginger
¼ teaspoon of cayenne
¾ cup of water.
EXTRAS (OPTIONAL):
Lime wedges for serving
½ cup of peanuts
½ cup of chopped basil or cilantro
Sriracha sauce or other hot sauce
INSTRUCTIONS:
Step 1: Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain well in a colander and set aside on the stove on warm.
Step 2: Make peanut sauce: In a blender or a food processor, blend all of the peanut sauce ingredients.
Step 3: Cook vegetables and tofu: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bell peppers, cabbage, yellow squash, kale and tofu. You can use a tablespoon at a time of water or vegetable broth to saute the vegetables, stirring the vegetables to keep them from sticking. I recommend sauteeing the veggies for about 5 minutes depending on how crisp you like your vegetables.
Step 4: Putting it all together: Add the sauce and vegetables to the fettuccine and toss to mix. You can vary how much sauce you would like to add to the pasta according to your preference.
Step 5: Serve: You can serve the pasta with lime wedges, peanuts and chopped basil or cilantro if you prefer. If you want a little kick, it is also great with a dash of hot sauce like sriracha
