One Pot Veg Pasta

🌱 Healthy Indian-Style One Pot Pasta

🍝 Ingredients (2-3 servings):

Pasta & Base:

• 1.5 cups whole wheat pasta (penne, fusilli, or macaroni)
• 1 tbsp olive oil or ghee
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• 1-2 green chilies, chopped (adjust to taste)

Veggies (use any combo):

• 1 carrot, chopped
• ½ cup bell peppers (any color)
• 1 tomato, finely chopped or ½ cup tomato puree
• ½ cup green peas
• 1 cup spinach or kale
• ¼ cup corn (optional)

Spices:

• ½ tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• ½ tsp red chili powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• Salt to taste
• Optional: ½ tsp coriander powder

Liquids:

• 2.5 – 3 cups water or low-sodium vegetable broth
• Juice of ½ lemon (for freshness)

Garnish:

• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Optional: sprinkle of nutritional yeast or a little grated paneer

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🍳 Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a deep pan or pot. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle.
2. Add chopped onion, garlic, ginger, and green chilies. Sauté until translucent.
3. Stir in tomatoes and cook until soft. Add turmeric, chili powder, garam masala, and salt.
4. Add all chopped veggies. Sauté for 2-3 minutes.
5. Add the dry pasta and pour in 2.5 to 3 cups of water or broth.
6. Stir well, cover, and cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally so pasta doesn’t stick.
7. Cook for 10-12 minutes (or per pasta package instructions) until pasta is al dente and liquid is mostly absorbed.
8. Stir in spinach and lemon juice in the last 2 minutes. Let wilt.
9. Taste and adjust salt/spices. Garnish with cilantro.

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🥄 Tips for Extra Nutrition:

• Add chickpeas or tofu for protein.
• Use millet or lentil pasta for a gluten-free option.
• Add 1 tbsp nut butter or coconut milk for creamy texture (optional).