Category: Nature's bounty,Vegetables,Recipes | Post by: Andrea Wong
As you may have noticed, I like to cook to the seasons. This means using whatever ingredients are currently plentiful. Not only is it better for the environment, to use in-season produce but it is cheaper and tastier too.
I have a home office for Andrea Wong Design, my web design company. While I enjoy being engrossed in my work, I never skip lunch. After sitting in front of a computer for a few hours in a dimly-lit room, it makes a nice change to go into the kitchen where it is nice and bright, to whip up a quick bite to eat.
I start by opening the fridge and examining its contents... sometimes I wish that a lovely smoked chicken or a piece of chocolate cake would somehow materalise and give me a nice surprise. But disappointingly, the fridge holds no more surpises than when I last opened it at morning tea time.
So that means that leftover dinner is often on the lunch menu but just as often, I'll cook a quick meal. You may think that cooking a pasta for lunch is a bit extravagant but it takes me literally 12 minutes. I reckon that's about the same time, if not quicker, than walking down to your local bakery for a pie.
It's dishes like these that are quick, easy and tasty, that making lunches or a mid-week dinner a breeze!
Grab some courgettes, garlic and pasta and let's whip up this meal together...
Courgette Fettuccine
Serves 4
Ingredients
500g fettuccine
4 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
handful of fresh basil, chopped
3 Tbsp water
8 courgettes, diced
1 chilli, diced (optional)
salt
parmesan cheese, grated
extra virgin olive oil
Directions
- Put a big pot of water on the stove and bring to a boil
- When the water is boiling, add 2 Tbsp of salt and add the pasta. Cook according to manufacturer's instructions. Strain when done
- Heat the first measure of olive oil over a medium heat and add the garlic and basil
- Sautee for a few minutes until the garlic has lightly browned and add the water
- Add the courgettes and sautee for 5 minutes, until cooked
- Add chilli and salt to taste
- Mix the strained pasta with the courgettes.
Serve with grated parmesan cheese and a splash of your favourite olive oil.