Pasta with Zaatar and Olives

Pasta with Zaatar and Olives is a vibrant dish that combines the earthy flavors of zaatar with the briny goodness of olives, creating a unique Moroccan-inspired pasta experience. This healthy, aromatic meal is both satisfying and quick to prepare, perfect for a light lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

• Whole wheat pasta - 150 grams
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Zaatar spice blend - 2 tablespoons
• Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced - 100 grams
• Cherry tomatoes, halved - 150 grams
• Garlic, minced - 2 cloves
• Fresh parsley, chopped - 2 tablespoons
• Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon
• Salt - to taste
• Pepper - to taste

Steps

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the whole wheat pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Stir in the zaatar spice blend, allowing it to toast slightly for about 1 minute.
4. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and sliced olives to the skillet, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften.
5. Once the pasta is cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the zaatar mixture.
6. Toss everything together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to create a cohesive sauce.
7. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh lemon juice to taste.
8. Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve immediately.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 12 g
• Carbs: 60 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Whole wheat pasta provides more fiber and nutrients than regular pasta.
• Zaatar is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Olives are a good source of healthy fats and can help improve heart health.

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