And why I do this

One of my daughters told me recently that I should share with my readers why I show  up in cyberspace a couple of times a week to write about food. So before I explain Pasta Puttanesca (Healthy Dinner in 15 Minutes) let me highlight why I am ‘here’. You see cooking and recipe creation are my escape. Rather than being a chore that waits for me every day it has become my solace from the hum drum, the hectic routine or the chaos – whichever way my day unfolds.

When I cook I retreat into myself and tap into a creative side of me that would otherwise lie dormant. I am passionate about feeding my family nutritious food that tastes great and that sometimes extends the taste  experience. So about a year ago I decided that I wanted to share this experience with the world. More specifically with mothers or carers like me who strive to feed their family healthily. Like me my readers are time poor. They have work and family commitments so can’t spend hours in the kitchen each day.    I hope that Milly, Molly and Me can help you cope with the overwhelm of everyday life.  My promise is that we can provide practical ideas for healthy mealtimes your family will love.

The Italians Nailed It!

I am always on the lookout for recipes that are quick, easy and nutritious. And don’t we all need a Healthy Dinner in 15 Minutes sometimes? So today’s recipe is one that can come together in the amount of time it takes to boil a packet of spaghetti. Most of the ingredients can be stored in the pantry so it is perfect if you are time poor like most of us. It’s Pasta Puttanesca.  A traditional Italian pasta dish that is simple and quick to prepare but big on flavour.  So I am not passing this off as my recipe but one which I cook often and recommend to the busy cook.

Have you tried it before?  It has a tomato base flavoured by anchovies, olives, capers, garlic and onion, chilli and herbs. It is so well received in my family that I make it all the time. Perhaps too often but it is my go to when there is nothing else!

I love that you get a big dose of lycopene and antioxidants with this pasta because of the tomatoes. So great for your immunity. Boosted even more by the garlic and onions. Think of it as your mid week immunity booster.

And do you know why it is named Pasta Puttanesca? The story goes it is named after the ladies of the night who dared not show their faces in the markets rather relying on ingredients in their pantry. There are many variations to that tale that don’t need to be repeated but what’s in a name though?

So if you haven’t already, try Pasta Puttanesca What’s your favourite pasta sauce? Drop me your preference in the comments below.

Healthy Dinner in 15 Minutes: Pasta Puttanesca

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Healthy Dinner in 15 Minutes (Pasta Puttanesca)

A super quick vegetarian meal that literally comes together in 15 minutes.

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Keyword healthy dinner, pasta puttanesca

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Servings 6

Author Jane Georgiades

Ingredients

• 1 pkt wholemeal spaghetti
• 1 clove garlic finely chopped
• 1 onion finely chopped
• 1/2 tsp chilli flakes
• 1 small jar of anchovies sliced
• 6 tbsp black or kalamata olives pitted
• 3 tbsp capers
• 2 tins diced tomatoes
• 1 small handful basil chopped
• 1/2 cup grano padano grated

Instructions

1. Add spaghetti to a pot of salted, boiling water. Then fry onion and garlic in oil in a small saucepan. Add chilli, anchovies, olives and capers then tomatoes. Add basil. Simmer while spaghetti is boiling. Drain pasta then rub sauce through the pasta. Serve with grated grano padano.