Pasta Alla Norma

Fresh Vegetables for Dinner

This is the best time of year for farm fresh, organic produce in Arizona.  I stopped by Love Grows Farm on my way home from work and picked up broccoli, snow peas, radishes, arugula, and spinach.  My friend Sharon brought asparagus, and we created a delicious dinner.

Radish and White Bean Salad

1 bunch radishes, washed and sliced into thin rounds

1 can white beans, drained and rinsed

1 bunch arugula, washed and chopped

2 T. lemon juice

1 T. extra virgin olive oil

1/2 t. salt

1 t. dry mustard

1 clove garlic, minced

Put the radishes, beans, and arugula in a medium-sized serving dish.  Put the remaining ingredients in a small jar with a lid and shake well to mix.  Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and mix well.

Pasta with Vegetables

1.  Wash and cut up fresh produce.  We used broccoli, asparagus, snow peas, and spinach.

2.  Put water on to boil for pasta.  We used whole wheat spaghetti.

3.  In a large skillet, heat 1-2 T. oil (we used walnut oil for a change).  Saute the broccoli and asparagus.  Add 1/4 cup water or vegetable broth.  Cover the skillet for two minutes.

4.  Add the snow peas, stir, and cover for another minute.

5.  Add the spinach, stir, cover for a final minute.

6.  Drain the pasta and put it in large serving bowl.  Using a slotted spoon, remove the vegetables from the skillet and add to the pasta.

7.  Toss with 2 T. walnut oil and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.