Pasta Zitoune

Pasta Zitoune is a vibrant Moroccan-inspired dish that combines al dente pasta with a medley of olives, aromatic spices, and fresh vegetables, creating a delightful, dairy-free meal. This dish not only celebrates the rich flavors of Morocco but also offers a satisfying and nutritious dining experience.

Ingredients

• Pasta (spaghetti or linguine) - 150g
• Green olives (pitted and sliced) - 100g
• Cherry tomatoes (halved) - 150g
• Red bell pepper (diced) - 1 medium
• Garlic (minced) - 2 cloves
• Red onion (finely chopped) - 1 small
• Cilantro (chopped) - 2 tablespoons
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Ground cumin - 1 teaspoon
• Ground coriander - 1 teaspoon
• Paprika - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon

Steps

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped red onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic, diced red bell pepper, and halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
4. Stir in the sliced olives, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to combine the flavors.
5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta evenly with the vegetable and spice mixture.
6. Remove from heat and drizzle with lemon juice. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 400
• Protein: 10 g
• Carbs: 65 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in antioxidants from olives and tomatoes.
• High in dietary fiber, promoting digestive health.
• Contains healthy fats from olive oil, beneficial for heart health.

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