What do you get when you take a half-opened can of tomatoes, leftover chick peas and wilting spinach?
A weeknight masterpiece!
Years ago, I had a go-to pasta recipe that I prepared all the time. Warm some olive oil, garlic and chilli flakes in a pan. Add canned tomatoes and season with oregano, basil, salt and pepper to taste. Toss with the pasta of your choice (penne, always) and top with fresh cheese. I made that dish so often that my family finally pulled me aside and asked me to stop. I now know that this is a classic, basic tomato sauce recipe, and pull it out any time I am short on time and in need of a light, comforting, delicious meal.
Last week, I was stuck in the enviable position of having lots of leftovers on hand to use up. But what should I make? And just like that it came to me: add chick peas and spinach to my tried and true tomato sauce!
I followed the usual steps and added the chick peas and spinach at the same time as the tomatoes and let it simmer so all the flavours could melt together and the already wilting spinach could wilt some more.
This all happened in the time it took to cook the pasta. I mean, c’mon, how much easier could this be?
I tossed the whole thing together and topped with grated parmesan cheese. A great meal and no food went to waste. What a way to end the day.
That’s what I love about cooking. Take what you have, get inspired and create your own take on old favourites. It keeps things interesting, and man is it fun!
**World Nutella Day Update**
Today is World Nutella Day! So climb into your pantry and grab that chocolate hazelnutty goodness. Hey, why don’t you create a new recipe with it?! I’ll be working on mine today and will post before the day is done. I’ll show you mine if you show me yours?
Comments (2)
My god that looks so good. Way to go! Wish I had your creativity. I’d never think to add the chick peas to pasta, but it’s perfect.
Love the title of this post!!!
My god this looks good…. 🙂 (it bears repeating)
Have a great week Melanie!
Thanks Sarah. I never really thought about chick peas in pasta until recently, but it really makes perfect sense! It’s the perfect Meatless Monday meal. Are you taking part in Nutella day today? There’s still time!