Friday, April 22nd, 2022:
Earth Day Veggie Pasta


Sofrito Lovers,


Happy Earth Day! What we eat, how we eat, and when we eat, all affect our environment in different ways.  Cooking and eating has an environmental impact that most people believe is negligible, but nothing could be further from the truth.


I am no environmentalist or ecologist, but I do know that incorporating a few plant-based meals into our diets will not only be healthy and nutritious, but will have an impact on the global environment.  Eating less meat equates to less consumption of fossil fuels, loss of potable water, and air pollution.  


Am I saying that becoming a vegetarian or vegan will save the planet?  No.  What I am saying is that each of us in our small way can help stave off permanent climate change by "greening up" a few of our meals.  It's not the global panacea we need, but it's a small act that benefits us all in the long run-plus it's delicious!  Vegetables and fruit for dinner can be incredible and satisfying-for those of you who believe you can't be satiated without meat.  All you require are a few recipes to get you started, that's why I posted the recipe below.  It's from earthday.org/eatmoreplants/, which is an excellent resource for plant-based recipes.  


Be bold, brave, and committed to Mother Earth and try a few recipes out!  You'll love them, this life-long committed carnivore swears by them-the world and your colon will thank you.


Go taste for yourself!  ¡Buen Provecho!



Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10-15 minutes
Servings: 2-4


Ingredients:

1 cup of vegetables (fresh or frozen)
1 box of pasta
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 cloves or 2 teaspoons garlic (can be fresh, powdered or minced)
1-2 teaspoons dried herbs (oregano, basil and rosemary)
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
4-6 quarts water
Pinch of salt and pepper


Directions:

• Bring 4-6 quarts of water to a boil over high heat in a pot (add a pinch of salt).
• In a pan, heat up vegetable oil on low and add in garlic, then add frozen vegetables, salt and pepper, dried herbs and stir occasionally.
• When the water has come to a boil, pour in the pasta and cook according to the directions on the box.
• When the pasta is done, combine with the vegetables, stir together for several minutes.
• Serve, feel free to add more salt and pepper and red pepper flakes.