Pasta with Arugula & Sundried Tomato Hemp Pesto

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.