Whole-Wheat Shells with Asparagus, Peas, Feta, and Mint

One large pot of boiling water is all it takes to make a pasta medley full of fresh spring vegetables. Blanching the vegetables in the boiling water also adds flavor to the pasta. Serves 6.





Ingredient List
12 oz. whole-wheat pasta shells
1 lb. asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen baby peas
2 Tbs. garlic oil, such as Garlic Gold
3 green onions, thinly sliced (1/3 cup)
1 cup sliced fresh basil
1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh mint
1 Tbs. grated lemon zest
3 oz. feta cheese, crumbled (3/4 cup)

Directions

1. Bring large pot of water to a boil. Add asparagus, and cook 4 minutes, or until crisp-tender. Remove asparagus with slotted spoon; transfer to serving bowl.
2. Add pasta to boiling water; cook 5 minutes. Add peas, return water to a boil, and cook 2 minutes. Drain pasta and peas, reserving 1/4 cup cooking water, and return pasta and peas to pot. Stir in reserved cooking water, asparagus, garlic oil, green onions, basil, mint, and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper, if desired; transfer back to serving bowl; and sprinkle with feta cheese, if using.

Vegetarian Times Issue: April 1, 2009 p.69

Strozzapreti with Cheese and Green Peppercorns

Serves 4 in 30 minutes or fewer.

Strozzapreti—which means “priest chokers”—sounds like it was invented by the Mafia, but it’s actually a type of pasta with curved, medium-length strands. If you can’t find strozzapreti, just use penne or fusilli.

1/4 cup pine nuts
1/2 cup grated Romano cheese (about 3 oz.)
1/4 cup plus 2 Tbs. mint leaves, sliced into very thin ribbons
2 Tbs. olive oil
2 tsp. brined green peppercorns, drained
1 8.8-oz. pkg. strozzapreti
2 cups grated zucchini
1 clove garlic, minced (about 1 tsp.)

Toast pine nuts in small skillet over medium heat 3 to 4 minutes or until browned and fragrant, shaking often.

Blend cheese, 1/4 cup mint, oil and peppercorns in food processor until peppercorns are broken up. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Cook pasta according to package directions; drain.

Meanwhile, combine zucchini, garlic and mint sauce in large serving bowl.

Toss hot pasta with sauce. Taste, and adjust seasonings if necessary. Stir in pine nuts and remaining mint leaves, and serve.

PER SERVING: 409 CAL; 16G PROT; 18.5G TOTAL FAT (4.5G SAT. FAT); 46G CARB; 20MG CHOL; 427MG SOD; 3G FIBER; 4G SUGARS

Vegetariantimes: 30 Minutes - No-Cook Pasta Sauces

Greek Zucchini Salad with Crumbled Feta

Fresh mint, feta cheese and zucchini are a favorite summer salad combination in small tavernas throughout the Greek Isles. For a more colorful salad, use one zucchini and one yellow squash. Serves 6.

3 Tbs. lemon juice
2 tsp. grated lemon zest
1 clove garlic, minced (about 1 tsp.)
1/3 cup olive oil
2 medium zucchini, peeled into thin ribbons (about 4 cups)
1 medium sweet onion, such as Vidalia or Walla Walla, thinly sliced (about 1 cup)
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
2 green onions, chopped (about 1/4 cup)
1 Tbs. chopped fresh mint
1 Tbs. chopped fresh parsley

1. Whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest and garlic in large serving bowl. Gradually whisk in oil. Season with salt and pepper. Add zucchini and onion, and toss to coat. Cover and marinate overnight, or up to 2 days. Sprinkle with feta, green onions, mint and parsley just before serving.

PER SERVING: 149 CAL; 3G PROT; 12G TOTAL FAT (3G SAT. FAT); 9G CARB; 11MG CHOL; 252MG SOD; 2G FIBER; 5G SUGARS

Greek Zucchini Salad with Crumbled Feta: from the May-June '07 issue of Vegetarian Times

Eggplant and Walnut Dip with Toasted Pita Triangles

Ingredients:
1 pound eggplant
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/3 cup golden raisins, chopped
1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 large clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon canola oil
salt and pepper to taste
5 (6-inch) fat- free, whole- wheat pita breads
5 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Pierce eggplant with tines of a fork and wrap tightly in foil. Place eggplant on baking sheet and roast for 1 hour. Cool slightly. Halve eggplant lengthwise and scoop out pulp into a medium bowl. Set aside and reserve.

Meanwhile, heat walnuts in a dry skillet over medium bowl. Set aside and reserve. Into bowl with eggplant, stir in walnuts, raisins, mint, lemon juice, garlic and oil. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and chill slightly.

Preheat broiler. sprinkle pitas with cheese, dividing equally. Broil for 2 minutes or until cheese melts and pitas are lightly toasted. Cut each pita into 6 wedges and serve with dip.

Servings: 24 | Cooking Time: Over one hour
Author: Walnut Marketing Board

Sweet Pea and Mint Soup

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup chopped yellow onion
2 cups vegetable broth
4 cups frozen peas
3/4 cup loosely packed mint leaves
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon sugar


Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes or until tender. Add the broth and bring to a boil. Place the peas, mint, salt, and sugar in a blender. (Because hot liquids expand when blended, hold the lid firmly in place with a kitchen towel before blending.) Blend until smooth. Pour the hot broth mixture over them. Return to saucepan to heat through. Serve warm.

Yield: Makes 4 servings

Sweet Pea and Mint Soup : RealSimple.com