Are you looking for a healthy and tasty meal that can be prepared quickly? Try this recipe for whole wheat spaghetti with smoked pepper sauce.
This dish is high in fiber and protein, and the combination of smoky and spicy flavors will delight your taste buds.
Ingredients
- 1 pound whole wheat spaghetti
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 yellow bell pepper
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
- While spaghetti is cooking, roast the bell peppers. Cut the peppers in half, remove seeds and stems, and place the halves on a baking sheet. Broil on high for 10-12 minutes, or until the skins are charred and blistered.
- Remove the peppers from the oven and place them in a plastic bag. Seal the bag and let them cool for 10-15 minutes. This will make it easier to remove the skins.
- While peppers are cooling, sauté onions and garlic in olive oil over medium heat until translucent, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes.
- Add smoked paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper to the pan and stir to combine.
- Add the can of diced tomatoes to the pan and stir to combine. Let it simmer for 5-10 minutes.
- Remove the skin from the peppers and chop them into small pieces.
- Add the chopped peppers to the pan and stir to combine. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Drain the spaghetti, but reserve 1/4 cup of the cooking water.
- Add the spaghetti and reserved cooking water to the pan and toss to combine with the sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Health Benefits
Whole wheat spaghetti is a great source of fiber and complex carbohydrates, which can help keep you full and energized for longer periods of time.
Bell peppers are packed with vitamins and minerals, and their bright colors indicate that they are full of antioxidants. Garlic and onion contain anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. Olive oil is a healthy source of monounsaturated fat that can help improve heart health.
Variations
If you want to customize this recipe to your taste preferences, feel free to experiment with these variations:.
- Use a different type of pasta, such as penne, fettuccine, or linguine.
- Add some protein, such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
- Replace the smoked paprika with regular paprika for a milder flavor.
- Substitute the bell peppers with other vegetables, such as zucchini, eggplant, or mushrooms.
- Add some cream or cheese for a creamy texture.
Conclusion
This recipe for whole wheat spaghetti with smoked pepper sauce is the perfect combination of healthy and tasty. It is easy to make and can be customized to your liking.
Serve it with a side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal that will satisfy your hunger and your taste buds.