Who doesn't love a big bowl of pasta? I could sit down to one any day of the week- particularly if the pasta are the wide, flat pappardelle which is my absolute favorite. Most restaurants serve these noodles with some sort of Bolognese or ragu, and I'm a sucker for it wherever I go. If pappardelle is on a menu, that's what I'm ordering.
While I was perusing the aisles at Trader Joe's, I noticed a new product in the dry pasta section. Trader Joe's Organic Sprouted Wheat Pappardelle almost called out to me to buy it. I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical since a lot of the whole grain pastas out there are dense, heavy and too grainy. However, the light weight of the package and the relative thinness of the dry noodles hooked me.
I had purchased some gorgeous oyster mushrooms and red spring onions at the Farmer's Market a few days prior, so I wanted to put them to good use. After sautéing them in a bit of butter and olive oil, I added some green garlic and thyme and them tossed it all with the boiled pappardelle. A ladle of pasta water, some fresh Italian parsley, a good pile of grated Parmiggiano Reggiano and a drizzle of truffle oil finished the dish.
The verdict? The slight nuttiness of the pappardelle went perfectly with the earthy mushrooms and bright onions, and nothing perks up a dish like real Parmiggiano Reggiano. It was so easy, healthy and delicious that I think I'll be making this again very soon. I think this pasta is a great "star" of a dish- it would probably be best if tossed with some grated cheese and veggies like asparagus or cubes of butternut squash rather than coated with a rich tomato or cream sauce. J really loved the texture and flavor of this too.
If you're looking for a a healthy pasta, this is a great option. I highly recommend it!
3 comments:
Thanks for posting this! I'd picked up the pasta when I was at TJ's but put it back because I was too afraid to try it...
I tried the noodles out a couple months ago, for the same reason: looked healthy, had a dish in mind for them, etc. Although the sauce was tasty, I think I overcooked the pasta because they turned to mush. Didn't go over well with the SO. I however wouldn't mind trying them again. Very nutty, good with butter, cheese, something green.
I just saw these when I was at Trader's this weekend and was simultaneously intrigued/scared. Good to know they are good. I'd head before that whole-wheat pastas go well with things like mushrooms. I'm going to have to give these a try.
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