penne-pasta-with-tomato-basil-sauce-1318636

SECRET VEGETABLE PASTA

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Chef: Asma Kantharia

Equipment

  • Knife

  • Chopping board

  • Vegetable peeler

  • Can opener

  • Bowl

  • Measuring jug

  • Whisk

  • Stirring spoons/ spatula

  • Handheld immersion blender/ potato masher

  • Measuring spoons

  • Medium sized saucepan with lid

  • Large sized pan

  • Colander

  • Serving plate

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil

  • 1 Onion, finely chopped

  • ½ teaspoon minced Garlic

  • 1 tsp dried mixed Italian Herbs

  • 1 Celery stalk, trimmed and finely chopped

  • 1 Leek, trimmed and finely chopped

  • 1 Carrot, peeled and finely chopped

  • 1 Bell Pepper, finely chopped

  • ½ Courgette, finely chopped

  • 1* 400g can chopped Tomatoes

  • ½ tablespoon Tomato puree

  • 250ml Vegetable Stock (either home-made, or prepared following the instructions of your favourite stock cube brand)

  • 250g wholewheat Penne (or any other pasta)

  • Water to boil pasta (follow instructions on pack)

  • 50g vegetarian Parmesan (or any other hard cheese)

  • Salt and pepper (to taste, as there may be enough seasoning in your stock cube)

Instructions

1

To make your tomato base


1. Heat the oil in the saucepan, over a medium heat.

2. Add the onion, garlic, and mixed herbs and stir for a couple of minutes until fragrant and lightly browned.

3. Add the remaining vegetables (celery, leek, carrot, bell pepper and courgette) and cook, covered, for around 15 minutes. Continually check and stir the vegetables, you want them to soften but not burn.

4. Stir the tomatoes, tomato paste, and stock into the mixture until combined.

5. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low and allow to simmer for a further 10 mins.
2

To blend your tomato base


6. Allow the tomato base to cool slightly, then blend using an immersion blender until the sauce is smooth. Now the vegetables have become a secret. Shhh!

7. You may also use a potato masher if you prefer a slightly chunkier sauce.
3

To boil your pasta


8. Following the instructions on your pasta packet, add pasta to a boiling pan of water until cooked to your taste.

9. Drain in a colander.
4

To assemble your vegetable pasta


10. Add approximately 2 serving spoonfuls of sauce to a bowl of boiled pasta.
11. Sprinkle grated cheese over the pasta, and serve.
5

Enjoy. May your food bring you good health!

Notes


Replace vegetable stock with home-made chicken stock for added goodness.

Add a splash of balsamic vinegar to your cooked tomato sauce for a depth of flavour.

Garnish your pasta with fresh herbs, cherry tomatoes or olives if you're feeling adventurous.