This post is going to be a little different. Many people have recently asked me to teach them how to cook. I’m of the idea that cooking requires creativity, rather than just following a recipe. I’m a fan of adding ingredients that just feel right to me and that are in line with my cravings at the time. Pasta is an easy meal to train your creativity.
People often tell me they just don’t know which flavour combinations make sense. A good tip is to think of a meal – any meal – where you’ve had the flavour combination you’re about to attempt. Was it good? If so, it’s probably a safe bet. If you’re unsure about combinations in general, I recommend checking out The Flavour Thesaurus.
Your Pasta Masterpiece
What you need
Veggies – ideas: anything you would stir fry
Pasta (I used brown rice)
Just enough oil to coat – ideas: olive, sesame, truffle, avocado
Flavourful additions – ideas: sesame seeds, parsley, basil
If you have a hard time figuring out how much pasta and veggies you’ll need, try picturing it on a plate. I tend to not overdo it this way.
How to proceed
Start out by boiling the water for the pasta. Salt the water as desired. Add in the pasta when the water reaches a boil.
Heat a bit of oil in a frying pan. Throw in the veggies you want to stir fry. I add them as I chop them, so I start with the veggies that require the most cooking, and work my way to the ones that need the least cooking.
By the time the pasta is done cooking, I find that the veggies are done to my liking. Drain the pasta and coat immediately with the oil of your choice. Toss in the veggies and whatever else you would like to add. And there you go! An easy meal that’s both interesting and filling!
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