clean eating pepper loaded vegetarian spaghetti

Normally when I think of pasta, I think of creating it at home because let’s face it; there’s a lot of restaurants out there that make incredible pasta, but they aren’t necessarily healthy for the body.

My first wedding anniversary is coming up and I’ve been looking around to try to find a great restaurant in order for us to go on our very first anniversary date; as a married couple that is.

There is this fantastic website Open Table where you can literally search for any restaurant within the area you’re looking for to make sure you find the perfect restaurant for you. I was looking into the Toronto area and there were so many restaurants listed that I have to say it was a little overwhelming. But there’s nothing like doing a little research before going to a restaurant so you are sure it’s what you want and you won’t end up with any special surprises.

On Open Table You can find restaurant reviews, photos of food which have been served and uploaded by guests, along with all the restaurant info. (maps, available reservations, etc) You can search restaurants by neighborhood, cuisine types, price and of course the time of your reservation as this is important.

I came across this great looking vegetarian Italian place named Bar Italia Restaurant. When you click on the restaurant it loads so much information such as; entertainment times, types of service, menu items, dress code, payment options, menu price ranges, parking fees, special events and so much more. This site is loaded full of information! This particular restaurant also shows their full menu on Open Table. I have to say, this is something I love. The fact that I can actually see what is being served will allow me to go into this dinner with a clear mind of what I’m eating so I don’t have to spend 30 minutes trying to decide what’s healthier while sitting at the table. (Not that I’m guilty of this or anything)

As much as I enjoy eating out, I have to say, I can make a pretty mean pasta at home. Take this Clean Eating Pepper Loaded Vegetarian Spaghetti for example. This pasta calls for some high quality nutrient filled vegetables; bell peppers, mushrooms and broccoli. It is truly the perfect pasta that you can easily make at home while keeping it healthy and delicious.

Although sometimes it’s nice to dine out, I think this is the perfect anniversary pasta for a dinner for two,

don’t you?

clean eating pepper loaded vegetarian spaghetti

 

Recipe type: Entree, Pasta, Vegetarian

Serves: 2 servings

Prep time: 5 mins

Cook time: 20 mins

Total time: 25 mins

Ingredients

• 1 medium handful of durum spaghetti noodles*
• 1 small red bell pepper
• 1 small yellow bell pepper
• 1 small orange bell pepper
• 8 - 10 crimini mushrooms
• 1 small head of broccoli
• For the Dressing:
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 tbsp mustard
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp oregano
• 2 tsp sesame seeds
• 1 tsp flaxseed

Instructions

1. Add noodles to a saucepan full of boiling water and turn to medium heat. Stir occasionally until noodles are soft.
2. Meanwhile, slice heads off broccoli and steam for about 8 minutes.**
3. Wash, slice, and remove seeds from peppers.*** Set aside.
4. Wash and slice mushrooms into fourths. Set aside.
5. Using a small bowl, add all dressing ingredients and mix well. Set aside.
6. When pasta is fully cooked, drain water and set pasta back into saucepan. Add all vegetables and dressing to saucepan, mixing well until pasta is fully covered with dressing.
7. Divide equally into two servings and enjoy immediately.

Notes

*I don't have an exact measurement, grab a small handful and judge what you think is best for two servings.
**I use a stainless steel strainer, set broccoli inside and add to the top of the saucepan which is boiling the noodles.
***I sliced peppers into ½ inch chunks.

Taken by : http://lushiouseats.com/2015/03/24/clean-eating-pepper-loaded-vegetarian-spaghetti/