It is an everyday challenge to come up with a nutritious yet colorful and appetizing meal for a toddler. Especially when the toddler tends to change his tastes every week. Last nights's concoction for my 2 year old was thankfully in line with his demand for pasta and I tried to get his vegetables, proteins and carbs all in a one pot dish. It came out pretty well and I ended up eating quite a bit under the pretext of tasting. This recipe can be easily tweaked into a quick 30 minute lunch or dinner fix for adults as well. I would recommend using olive oil instead of butter though and maybe a little more spices based on your taste. I used Paneer because I did not have Feta cheese at home. So without much adieu, here comes pasta sauteed with fresh vegetables in a light herb butter sauce.
2 cups Pasta
1/2 Bell Pepper
1/2 cup Broccolli
1/2 cup Squash
1 small tomato
1/2 cup Paneer
1/2 tsp Black Pepper
1-2 tsp Basil Paste (or Pesto)
Olive Oil
Salt
Method
Boil the pasta for about 8-10 minutes until cooked. I used some fusili and rotini.
Cut all vegetables into 1/2 inch cubes. The idea is to make it bite size for kids.
In a heavy bottom pan, melt 1 tbsp butter and add a tsp of basil paste and let it diffuse in the butter on low heat for a minute.
Saute all the vegetables until well cooked, yet crisp and crunchy.
Add the paneer and saute until it roasts to a golden color.
Add salt and a pinch of freshly ground black pepper.
Drain the pasta and add it to the vegetables and toss on medium heat for a couple of minutes.
Serve hot with a side of fruit juice or milk.
Looks yummy and light! May be I can change tofu for paneer, that will make it even more lighter.
ReplyDeletethanks preeti! yes tofu does sound like a good idea...
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