Pasta with Za'atar

Pasta with Za'atar is a vibrant and aromatic Lebanese dish that combines the earthy flavors of za'atar with al dente pasta, creating a delightful and satisfying meal. The addition of fresh vegetables and a drizzle of olive oil elevates this simple dish into a flavorful experience.

Ingredients

• Pasta (spaghetti or linguine) - 200 grams
• Za'atar spice blend - 2 tablespoons
• Olive oil - 3 tablespoons
• Garlic (minced) - 2 cloves
• Cherry tomatoes (halved) - 150 grams
• Spinach (fresh) - 100 grams
• Lemon (juiced) - 1 medium
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Pine nuts (toasted) - 2 tablespoons

Steps

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and add minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3. Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
4. Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with the za'atar, lemon juice, and reserved pasta water. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
6. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve warm, topped with toasted pine nuts.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 12 g
• Carbs: 65 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in antioxidants from tomatoes and spinach.
• Contains healthy fats from olive oil and pine nuts.

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