This is a post sponsored by Explore Cuisine, all opinions are my own.
Many of the recipes on my blog are inspired by food from various parts of the globe. Yes, I am a huge advocate of health-conscious dishes. It is my way of getting a small taste of the world’s foods without leaving my kitchen. I am clearly a lover of Caribbean flavors which is also my comfort zone. For this recipe I wanted to share a recipe inspired by a country that I hope to explore one day – Italy. Specifically, I turned to the region of Puglia in Italy for inspiration.
PUGLIA INSPIRATION
Puglia is a sunny agricultural region with rich soil. And based on what I’ve learned so far they take pride in creating dishes made with fresh locally grown produce. Puglia also produces a significant portion of Italy’s olive oil.
So with this newly found knowledge of Puglia, I came up with a simple dish featuring fresh tomatoes, broccolini, garlic and olive oil. As a way to keep the recipe vegetarian while adding protein I used the Red Lentil Penne by Explore Cuisine.
I have tried a few of Explore Cuisine’s pastas including their black bean and sesame fettuccine and chickpea fusilli. All their products are all organic, non-GMO, gluten-Free, and vegan. But what I really like about their products is that the ingredients lists consist of a handful of simple (readable) ingredients. For example, their red lentil penne just has red lentil and brown rice flour. I think this a great pasta for anyone looking to easily add more fiber and plant protein to their diet.
I’ll be making a couple more recipes with Explore Cuisine but for now try this easy pasta dish and let me know what you think.
WIN A TRIP TO ITALY
From May 2019 through November 30, 2019 Explore Cuisine is running a challenge where the grand-prize will be selected to win a trip for two to explore Italy. Yes, folks. A trip to Italy. There will also be monthly winners who will receive prizes featuring kitchen gadgets and Explore Cuisine products. To enter the challenge all you have to do is share your Italian recipes using the #PastaPioneerChallenge. Check out the @explorecuisine IG page or visit www.explorecuisine.com for more details.
Prep Time: 5 mins . Cook Time: 10 mins
1 Box Explore Cuisine Red Lentil Penne
4 – 6 Cloves of Garlic, crushed
1 Pint Cherry Tomatoes
1 Lb Broccolini
2 Tbsp Olive Oil
Salt, Black Pepper & Pepper Flakes to taste
1. Cook the Explore Cuisine Red Lentil Penne as described on the packaging. Set aside.
2. While pasta is cooking, bring another pot of salted water to boil. Trim ends of broccoli. Add broccolini to boiling water; cook for 2 minutes, remove from boiling water and immediately run cold water over broccolini; set aside.
3. Heat oil over medium-high heat in a skillet. Add cloves of garlic; cook until medium to dark brown. Add cherry tomatoes; cook for about 2 minutes.
4. Add pasta and broccolini; toss until well-heated. Season with salt and pepper. Divide into 4 equal portions. Enjoy!
