Suitable for: Lunch or dinner
Complexity: Moderate
Time Investment: About half an hour
(Click the photo below for a high resolution photo.)
I made a spaghetti variation that is a bit more sophisticated than the typical Wednesday night variety and it appeals to parents, singles, and children alike. You can dress it up with a crusty bread and green salad or relax it with tortilla chips. Whatever you choose, this dinner is sure to please. So, what is it? Mediterranean Pasta.
— Supplies —
If you have been following The Active Daddy blog for a while, you probably already stock the basic ingredients that I use on a regular basis. You need spaghetti sauce, “chicken strips”, pasta, garlic, eggplant, tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, and a few seasonings. I used cumin powder and a little bit of fresh thyme.
You will also need a spaghetti pot, strainer, covered dish, cutting board and knife, non-stick frying pan, spatula, and spaghetti spoon.
You will also need a spaghetti pot, strainer, covered dish, cutting board and knife, non-stick frying pan, spatula, and spaghetti spoon.
— Preparation —
Wash, cut, and set aside the vegetables. Boil the pasta.
— Process —
Cook, drain, and rinse your pasta. Set it aside.
I dry fried the “chicken strips” in a little bit of extra virgin olive oil, adding the seasonings, eggplant, and tomatoes when it was almost done. I put a whole thyme sprig in, rather than strip off the tiny leaves. I get a more robust taste that way. You might want to crudely and thickly chop the garlic for more flavor, too.
I dry fried the “chicken strips” in a little bit of extra virgin olive oil, adding the seasonings, eggplant, and tomatoes when it was almost done. I put a whole thyme sprig in, rather than strip off the tiny leaves. I get a more robust taste that way. You might want to crudely and thickly chop the garlic for more flavor, too.
Add just enough spaghetti sauce to coat the “chicken strips” and vgetables. You want a thick topping for the pasta!
When everything is heated through, transfer to a covered dish. Put on your Active Daddy apron and serve the family. Now, go enjoy your meal!
When everything is heated through, transfer to a covered dish. Put on your Active Daddy apron and serve the family. Now, go enjoy your meal!
(Click the photo below for a high resolution photo.)
— Clean Up —
Wash your tools in hot, sudsy water. Throw away the few scraps from chopping, and you’re basically done. Piece of cake!
Bonus: If you want to add a flavorful bit of heat, add a little bit of cayenne pepper to the sauce. The flavors will awaken when you add the pepper. If you are a daredevil, toss in one or two Scotch bonnet peppers while the sauce is heating through. Their heat and flavor will punctuate the sauce in a way that you wouldn’t imagine. Be very careful to take them out when the sauce is done. Do not let them burst in the sauce. The intense heat is almost unbearable. You only want the heat and flavor from stewing them, not the flavor and seeds from inside. Much too hot!
Take care, and influence someone for good today :D
Scott, The Active Daddy
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