Pasta with Shiso

This Pasta with Shiso is a delightful fusion of Italian and Japanese flavors, featuring al dente pasta tossed with aromatic shiso leaves, garlic, and a touch of sesame oil. It's a refreshing and vibrant dish that celebrates the unique taste of shiso, making it perfect for a light yet satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• Spaghetti - 150 grams
• Fresh shiso leaves - 20 grams
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Sesame oil - 2 tablespoons
• Soy sauce - 1 tablespoon
• Cherry tomatoes - 100 grams, halved
• Olive oil - 1 tablespoon
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese - 30 grams (optional, for serving)

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 sesame oil and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4. Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
5. Once the pasta is cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti and add it to the skillet with the garlic and tomatoes.
6. Toss the pasta with the mixture, adding the soy sauce and reserved pasta water as necessary to create a light sauce.
7. Chop the shiso leaves and sprinkle them over the pasta, tossing everything together until evenly combined.
8. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, and serve warm, optionally topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition

• Calories: 480
• Protein: 12 g
• Carbs: 65 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 5 mg
• Total Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in antioxidants from shiso leaves, which may help combat inflammation.
• High in fiber from the pasta and tomatoes, promoting digestive health.

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