Penne with Mexican vegetables and cold cuts - a simple and delicious recipe!
Total time: 30 minutes
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4
Who doesn't love a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal? Today, I invite you to discover a recipe for penne with Mexican vegetables and cold cuts, perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. This recipe is not only tasty but also colorful, thanks to the mix of vegetables, and it can be prepared in just 30 minutes. Let's get started!
Ingredients you need:
- 1 package of penne pasta (about 400g)
- 1 package of mixed Mexican vegetables (about 300g)
- 250g cold cuts (homemade salami is recommended for an authentic taste)
- 100g bacon (or pancetta, for a stronger flavor)
- 2 green garlic stalks (or 2 cloves of garlic, if you prefer)
- 1 large ripe tomato
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Oregano, to taste (fresh or dried)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
A brief story about the recipe:
This recipe has deep roots in culinary traditions, blending influences from various cultures. Pasta was invented thousands of years ago, and the Mexican vegetables bring a note of freshness and vitality to the dish. The combination of cold cuts with vegetables gives the dish a rich and satisfying flavor, making it an excellent choice for any occasion.
Step by step:
1. Boil the pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt to enhance the flavor of the pasta. Once the water boils, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually between 8 and 10 minutes. Make sure the pasta is al dente, meaning it should have a firm texture but not hard.
2. Prepare the cold cuts: While the pasta is boiling, take a large skillet and add the two tablespoons of olive oil. Heat the skillet over medium heat. Cut the salami and bacon into small cubes, then add them to the skillet. Let them sauté for 5-7 minutes until they become golden and crispy. This step is essential for adding depth of flavor to the dish.
3. Add the garlic and vegetables: Once the cold cuts have taken on a nice color, add the chopped green garlic. Stir well and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant. Then, add the mixed Mexican vegetables. They bring an explosion of colors and nutrients. Cook everything for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften but remain crunchy.
4. Finish the sauce: Cut the tomato into cubes and add it to the skillet along with salt, pepper, and oregano. Stir everything well and let it simmer for 5 minutes for the flavors to combine. The tomato will add a touch of sweetness and freshness to the dish.
5. Mix with the pasta: Once the pasta is ready, drain it and add it to the skillet over the vegetable and cold cut mixture. Stir everything carefully to ensure an even distribution of ingredients. If the sauce is too dry, you can add a little pasta cooking water or olive oil.
6. Serving: Portion the penne with Mexican vegetables and cold cuts into deep plates. You can garnish with freshly chopped parsley or grated Parmesan for an extra flavor boost.
Practical tips:
- Vegetarian option: You can omit the cold cuts and add marinated tofu or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian recipe.
- Perfect pasta: Don't forget to save a little pasta cooking water. This can help adjust the sauce's consistency.
- Flavor enhancement: Add fresh chili peppers or chili flakes for a spicy kick if you like your food spicy.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, you can replace the penne with any other type of pasta, such as fusilli or spaghetti.
2. How can I store leftovers?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they can be consumed within the next 2-3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or in a skillet with a little oil.
3. What is the nutritional value?
This recipe offers a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fats, being an excellent source of fiber due to the vegetables. Each serving has about 450-500 calories, depending on the amount of cold cuts used.
4. What can this dish be paired with?
You can serve the penne with a fresh green salad or a refreshing drink, such as citrus juice or lemonade.
In conclusion, penne with Mexican vegetables and cold cuts is an excellent choice for a quick and flavorful meal. This recipe not only satisfies your hunger but also brings a touch of joy to your table. So, don't hesitate to try it and impress your family or friends with your culinary skills! Enjoy!
Total time: 30 minutes
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4
Who doesn't love a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal? Today, I invite you to discover a recipe for penne with Mexican vegetables and cold cuts, perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. This recipe is not only tasty but also colorful, thanks to the mix of vegetables, and it can be prepared in just 30 minutes. Let's get started!
Ingredients you need:
- 1 package of penne pasta (about 400g)
- 1 package of mixed Mexican vegetables (about 300g)
- 250g cold cuts (homemade salami is recommended for an authentic taste)
- 100g bacon (or pancetta, for a stronger flavor)
- 2 green garlic stalks (or 2 cloves of garlic, if you prefer)
- 1 large ripe tomato
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Oregano, to taste (fresh or dried)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
A brief story about the recipe:
This recipe has deep roots in culinary traditions, blending influences from various cultures. Pasta was invented thousands of years ago, and the Mexican vegetables bring a note of freshness and vitality to the dish. The combination of cold cuts with vegetables gives the dish a rich and satisfying flavor, making it an excellent choice for any occasion.
Step by step:
1. Boil the pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt to enhance the flavor of the pasta. Once the water boils, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually between 8 and 10 minutes. Make sure the pasta is al dente, meaning it should have a firm texture but not hard.
2. Prepare the cold cuts: While the pasta is boiling, take a large skillet and add the two tablespoons of olive oil. Heat the skillet over medium heat. Cut the salami and bacon into small cubes, then add them to the skillet. Let them sauté for 5-7 minutes until they become golden and crispy. This step is essential for adding depth of flavor to the dish.
3. Add the garlic and vegetables: Once the cold cuts have taken on a nice color, add the chopped green garlic. Stir well and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant. Then, add the mixed Mexican vegetables. They bring an explosion of colors and nutrients. Cook everything for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften but remain crunchy.
4. Finish the sauce: Cut the tomato into cubes and add it to the skillet along with salt, pepper, and oregano. Stir everything well and let it simmer for 5 minutes for the flavors to combine. The tomato will add a touch of sweetness and freshness to the dish.
5. Mix with the pasta: Once the pasta is ready, drain it and add it to the skillet over the vegetable and cold cut mixture. Stir everything carefully to ensure an even distribution of ingredients. If the sauce is too dry, you can add a little pasta cooking water or olive oil.
6. Serving: Portion the penne with Mexican vegetables and cold cuts into deep plates. You can garnish with freshly chopped parsley or grated Parmesan for an extra flavor boost.
Practical tips:
- Vegetarian option: You can omit the cold cuts and add marinated tofu or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian recipe.
- Perfect pasta: Don't forget to save a little pasta cooking water. This can help adjust the sauce's consistency.
- Flavor enhancement: Add fresh chili peppers or chili flakes for a spicy kick if you like your food spicy.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, you can replace the penne with any other type of pasta, such as fusilli or spaghetti.
2. How can I store leftovers?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they can be consumed within the next 2-3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or in a skillet with a little oil.
3. What is the nutritional value?
This recipe offers a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fats, being an excellent source of fiber due to the vegetables. Each serving has about 450-500 calories, depending on the amount of cold cuts used.
4. What can this dish be paired with?
You can serve the penne with a fresh green salad or a refreshing drink, such as citrus juice or lemonade.
In conclusion, penne with Mexican vegetables and cold cuts is an excellent choice for a quick and flavorful meal. This recipe not only satisfies your hunger but also brings a touch of joy to your table. So, don't hesitate to try it and impress your family or friends with your culinary skills! Enjoy!