Pasta alla Caprese

Pasta alla Caprese is a delightful fusion of Italian and Japanese flavors, featuring al dente pasta tossed with a fresh, vibrant sauce of tomatoes, mozzarella, and a hint of umami from Japanese ingredients. This Halal dish is both refreshing and satisfying, perfect for a light lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

• Spaghetti - 200 grams
• Cherry tomatoes - 200 grams, halved
• Mozzarella balls (bocconcini) - 150 grams, halved
• Fresh basil leaves - 10 grams, torn
• Soy sauce - 1 tablespoon
• Extra virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Garlic - 1 clove, minced
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Toasted sesame seeds - 1 tablespoon

Steps

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until they start to soften.
4. Stir in the soy sauce and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Once the pasta is cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water and drain the rest.
6. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the tomato mixture, tossing to combine. If the pasta seems dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta water.
7. Remove the skillet from heat and gently fold in the mozzarella balls and torn basil leaves.
8. Serve immediately, garnished with toasted sesame seeds and additional basil if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 15 g
• Carbs: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 30 mg
• Total Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Water: 0.25 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in antioxidants from tomatoes and basil, which support heart health.
• Provides a good source of protein from mozzarella and healthy fats from olive oil.

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