Pasta can be a healthy inclusion in a balanced diet. The pasta itself won’t contribute to an unhealthy meal, but the sauces we choose to make can if we don’t make good choices. Sauces that are heavy with heavy cream are not good for those on low-fat diets. Consider using healthier olive oils and mixing them with different flavors and spice blends for a tantalizing taste of flavors from around the world.
I personally only eat gluten free pasta and try to limit this to once a week. I don’t follow a low fat diet because I believe that the good fats are really beneficial in helping to lose weight and maintain a healthy body. So when I cook pasta as a main meal, I then use the leftovers as snacks (when there are leftovers!)
I like to try different flavored olive oils as a very simple sauce for my pasta. For example, you could try these three flavors:
1. Thai-Inspired Olive Oil: Thai-inspired extra virgin olive oil with lemongrass, garlic, basil, lime, and chili.
2. Mediterranean Olive Oil – Mediterranean basil, garlic, pepper, thyme and lemon in extra virgin olive oil.
3. Spicy Mexican Olive Oil: Mexican-inspired extra virgin olive oil with garlic, chili, lime, basil, pepper, and thyme.
These oils alone will add amazing flavor to plain pasta. Imagine what you could do by adding some herbs and/or spices as well. Simple, boring no more!
I think the combination of a mix of herbs and spices with a flavored oil, some fresh seasonal vegetables, pasta and the addition of chicken strips would also be heavenly and healthy.
There are three blends I could recommend you find:
1. A Moroccan Blend – Works wonderfully with cooked lentils, chickpeas, or fresh greens.
2. A Mediterranean Blend: When mixed with rice and chicken risotto or to flavor protein, couscous, and vegetables, it’s just fantastic.
3. A Tunisian-Style Mix: A Harisa-inspired, medium-spicy nutty mix to mix with lentils, chickpeas, and greens.
There are many combinations of oils, herbs, spices, and ingredients that you can use to add variety to your meals and include healthy pasta options.
Take your taste buds on an international flavor journey sensation!
Check that the products you use do not contain added MSG, preservatives or gluten for a healthier life. A great inclusion for any pantry looking to sample flavored foods from around the world.
