I used to think pasta was unhealthy because of the grief it gave my belly. Now that I've learned a ton about nutrition and how we digest/metabolize carbs, I'm hear to tell you that not all carbs are created equal. If you choose the BEST carbs for YOU, then you will not gain weight (you may even lose some... especially around the belly), your energy will soar and you will have good bowel movements.
Here's the deal. You likely already know that the white flour products are ones to avoid because they are nutrient-poor, well.... let's be honest here, "nutrient-dead" is a better description. Why? Food manufacturers strip away all the fibre, B-vitamins, essential fats and what you are left with is fluffy white flour that breaks down into glucose VERY quickly. And that just barely scratches the surface, but rather than talk about how they bleach flour via chemicals, let's talk about what this post is really about! My amazing brown rice pasta recipe featured in that gorgeous mouth-watering photo.
Brown Rice Pasta with Arugula & Sundried Tomato Hemp Pesto
Ingredients:
2.5 cups brown rice pasta (for a non GF option: use spelt or kamut pasta. I LOVE this brand. You can purchase it in Canada and the USA)
Pesto:
1/2 cup sulfite-free sundried tomatoes
2 cups arugula (preferably organic)
1-2 garlic cloves
1/2 cup walnuts
1/4 cup of Ruth's Foods Organic Hemp Oil (This is a superfood)*
Sea salt & freshly ground black pepper
Directions: Cook your pasta based on the instructions on the label to al dente (if you cook it a touch less than it recommends, this makes it lower in the glycemic index -- meaning, lower rate at which it spikes your blood sugar and this is a good thing).
While your pasta is cooking, toss all your pesto ingredients into your food processor or blender (some blenders have settings to make pesto too, like the Breville blender). Give it a taste test and add a little more of this or that to get it to your liking. I'm a garlic-lover, so if you are not, then use only 1 clove. Fortunately, my bf loves garlic as much as I do!
Once the pasta is cooked. Drain and place in a large bowl. Mix the pesto into the pasta and serve immediately. Serves 2 with a little leftover for lunch the next day!
This recipe is a fave in my household and it is SO easy. Pair this with a glass of delicious Pinot Noir and you have a fantastic meal in 10 minutes!
Curious about hemp seed oil? It's a powerful healing oil because it contains a ratio of 2:1 omega 6 to omega 3 (Ruth's brand specifically, not all hemp contains this ratio FYI) and it's a source of a special fat called GLA. This makes hemp oil anti-inflammatory, hormonally balancing and great for your skin. DO NOT HEAT it. Make sure you refrigerate it.
Enjoy!
Joy
Ps. I've already posted my February deal for all the sugar-addicts out there. BREAK FREE with joyous health's help! Due to the popular success of my January deal, I wanted to bring you another special offer. Please check it out: http://www.joyoushealth.ca/services/nutrition-services/
Pps. I've just uploaded a video from Global's Morning Show on my press page: Know Your Fats! Use the safest and best cooking oils.
YUM!!! I am definitely going to try this one!
ReplyMMMMM this looks delicious. I personally find that quinoa pasta sits best with my stomach...definitely going to try subbing it into this recipe! Thanks!
ReplyGreat idea. Let me know how it turns out?
Made the pasta, outstanding, sent left overs for lunch to work. Yum
Replyyay! So glad to hear it :) I like to eat it cold as well :)
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ReplyThis looks wonderful! I'll have to give that brown rice pasta a try. I've been trying hard to cut down on the carbs (especially wheat...especially WHITE wheat) but sometimes a bowl of pasta can be so satisfying. Thanks for the recipe!
ReplyIt took me a lot of oil to get the consistency right for this ... am I crazy?! Like 5-6 glugs
ReplyJust depends how soft you want your pesto... I like mine a little bit rougher. THe more EVOO you add, the more "creamier" it will become. Know what I mean? Perhaps I should update the post. Thanks for taking the time to write!
[...] Hemp Arugula Pesto Brown Rice Pasta: This is soooo delicious and fulfilling. You won’t even need to fill your belly for seconds, but you might want more because it’s so flavourful. [...]
ReplyHi Joy - is this 2.5 cups of dry or cooked pasta? Can't wait to try this one and suspecting the son might also love this one!!
ReplyThis was EXCELLENT! A perfect go-to because fast and easy. Any left over pesto is fantastic over crostini. It also reheated well for lunch the next day. Thank you for this delicious and über healthy treat!
ReplyI made this recipe last night and it was delicious. Thanks very much Joy! I added some sautéed cremini mushrooms (done in coconut oil) as well as a bit goat cheese on top. So good! Thanks very much for all of your great recipes!!
ReplySounds fabulous!
I can't believe how amazing this pasta is! I pre-made the pesto for one of our dinners away camping. We cooked up the pasta on-site and also added in freshly grilled chicken breasts. It was SO delicious and easy to put together. Thanks Joy, this is a definite new favourite dinner!
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