Pasta con i Fiori di Zucca

Pasta con i Fiori di Zucca is a delightful vegan Italian dish featuring tender pasta tossed with fresh zucchini flowers, garlic, and a hint of chili for a burst of flavor. This vibrant meal captures the essence of summer with its light yet satisfying combination of ingredients.

Ingredients

• Spaghetti - 160 grams
• Zucchini flowers - 8 pieces
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Red chili flakes - 1/2 teaspoon
• Fresh basil - 10 grams, chopped
• Nutritional yeast - 2 tablespoons
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste

Steps

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the spaghetti. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
2. While the pasta cooks, rinse the zucchini flowers gently under cold water and remove the stamens from inside. Pat dry and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red chili flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add the zucchini flowers to the skillet and cook gently for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until they soften.
5. Once the pasta is cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with zucchini flowers.
6. Toss the pasta with the flowers, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to create a light sauce. Mix in the chopped basil, nutritional yeast, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with additional basil if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 480
• Protein: 15 g
• Carbs: 75 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Water: 0.3 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in antioxidants from zucchini flowers, which can help reduce inflammation.
• High in fiber from pasta and vegetables, promoting digestive health.

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