Tomato Artichoke Pasta

Finally, another post! Sorry for the long wait. Life gets busy and my blog goes on the back burner for a bit.

Anyway, this is a delicious recipe I adapted from a cookbook called Let Them Eat Vegan. Super simple to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 2-3 Tb olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp basil
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• black pepper, to taste
• 2 cans artichoke hearts, quartered (about 2 1/2 cups)
• 1 can diced tomatoes (I prefer petite diced)
• 1 can crushed tomatoes
• 12 oz whole wheat penne pasta

Directions:

1. Cook pasta according to package.
2. While it cooks, heat olive oil over medium heat in a skillet. Then add the artichoke hearts, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let saute about 5-7 minutes.
3. Next add the diced and crushed tomatoes. Cook until bubbling. Serve over pasta!

Notes about this recipe:

1. You can buy whole artichoke hearts and cut them into quarters, or you can buy already quartered.
2. You can also add spinach, mushrooms, or even white beans...but I haven't tried any of them yet. Let me know what you think if you do!

Rotini with Sun-Dried Tomato and Artichoke Hearts

This I adapted this from a recipe called Italian Fusalli with Sun-Dried Tomato and Artichoke Hearts found in The Get Healthy, Go Vegan Cookbook by Neal Barnard and Robyn Webb.

Ingredients:

• About 7 oz. whole wheat rotini
• 1 Tb. olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-2 pinches sea salt
• 4-6 grinds of fresh cracked pepper
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 Tb. dried basil
• 1/2 c. sun-dried tomatoes
• 1 can artichoke hearts, quartered or smaller
• 2 stalks of kale, off the stem and finely chopped

Directions: 

1. Boil the water and start cooking the pasta.
2. Meanwhile heat a skillet and oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, saute about 5 minutes.
3. Add tomatoes, artichoke hearts, salt, pepper. Lower heat and cook additional 5 minutes. Remember to keep an eye on your pasta. When it is done drain it and put a lid over it until it is needed.
4. Add kale, oregano, and basil. Cook for a 2-4 minutes, until kale is bright green and wilted. 
5. Add the drained pasta and add to the pan. Stir until everything is combined.

Naan Bread Pizza

 

(Left: Pesto version; Right: Pizza sauce version)

So this month has been pretty busy with the arrival of our 2nd baby, which is why there has only been one new post a week for over a month. My mom came to town to help us get adjusted and she made us this fabulous dinner.

Ingredients:

• Pesto or pizza sauce, whichever you prefer
• sliced mushrooms
• onions, diced
• tomatoes, sliced (cherry or small roma are my recommendations)
• black olives, sliced
• artichoke hearts, canned in water (not the marinated kind), sliced
• avocado, sliced
• any other veggie you like eating on pizza
• Pre-made naan bread (can be found at grocery stores such as H.E.B., or Harmon's)

Directions:

1. Saute the sliced mushrooms and onions in a tiny bit of olive oil.
2. Spread the pesto/pizza sauce on the naan bread.
3. Add the toppings, except the avocado.
4. Place on a baking sheet and broil for 3-5 minutes.
5. Add sliced avocado.
6. Cut into pieces and serve!

Notes about this recipe:

1. There are no measurements because it's all about how much you like on your pizza. Add as much or as little as you want!
2. You could add cheese if you want. The pesto already has cheese in it, and the pizza sauce version makes for a great lactose-free recipe.
3. If you can't find pre-made naan bread you could always make your own. The pre-made makes for a super easy meal, though.