Pasta… it immediately brings to mind memories of Italian restaurants, spaghetti made by Mom, and boxed macaroni and cheese. Has there ever been a child who did not like to eat noodles of one kind or another? Pasta is a favorite food all over the world.
Pasta is an easy on the budget, good for you, and can be used in a variety of ways. At your local store, you will find pasta that is egg free or cholesterol free. You can find pasta enriched with folic acid, omega-3 fatty acids and fiber. On its own, pasta is an excellent source of B vitamins, iron and other essential nutrients. You can find pasta made with whole grains and vegetables. If you are a diabetic, you will be happy to know that pasta is low on the glycemic index, so it will not cause spikes in your blood sugar level.
Pasta is made of semolina flour, which is made from durum wheat. This is a different wheat than what is used to make white flour. The semolina is what is responsible for the golden color of dried pasta. Pasta is a good carbohydrate, which breaks down slowly in the body providing energy for your brain, organs and muscles. The glucose from these carbohydrates is the primary fuel our bodies need to function.
Since pasta is always eaten with other ingredients, it is part of a balanced meal. Pasta is usually served with a sauce that may also contain meats and vegetables. The Mediterranean diet that the New England Journal of Medicine reports will reduce your risk of death from heart disease and cancer has pasta as a primary component that may be eaten every day.
Pasta is a comfort food in many parts of the world. It can be used for simple fare like macaroni and cheese to haute cuisine when topped with pesto or other gourmet sauce. Pasta is used as a side dish, a main dish, and as a salad. Pasta can be added to soups and casseroles. It comes in all sorts of shapes and sizes, so even if you eat pasta every night, it can look like something completely different.
Using pasta for a new recipe is a no brainer. Look up the recipe search engine to find many new pasta recipes that you may never have thought of. Perhaps you would like to try making some Asian pad Thai noodles, or a real homemade fettuccine Alfredo. Noodles are a great way to add these kinds of dishes to your repertoire.
Hot weather only means it is time to make a delightful pasta salad. There are probably as many recipes out there for pasta salad as there are varieties of pasta. Your online search is sure to find you one that you and your family will enjoy for many meals to come. One you may want to try is Hawaiian Macaroni Salad. It pairs very nicely with barbecue.
Do not ever feel guilty for loving your pasta. It is nutritious and wholesome, and is a great way to encourage kids to eat well. A family favorite for generations, pasta will keep your family satisfied and healthy. With all the different shapes of pasta available, they could eat it every night and still not think they are eating the same thing.
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