Zucchini and Mushroom Bavette

Bavette with zucchini and mushrooms: a delicious fasting recipe

This week marks the beginning of the Christmas fast, and I thought it was the perfect time to share with you a simple yet extremely tasty fasting recipe: bavette with zucchini and mushrooms. This recipe is not only ideal for a light Friday dinner but also a healthy choice, full of vitamins and nutrients.

Ingredients needed (for 4 servings):
- 250 g bavette (long pasta, similar to spaghetti but flat instead of round)
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 1 green bell pepper
- 300 g mushrooms (frozen or fresh, as preferred)
- 1 bunch of green onions (frozen or fresh)
- 3-4 garlic cloves
- 2-3 tablespoons of roasted pepper paste
- 200 ml tomato puree
- 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt, pepper, oregano, and basil to taste

Preparation time:
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
- Number of servings: 4

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by slicing the zucchinis thinly and dicing the green bell pepper. If using frozen mushrooms, let them thaw before using. The green onions can be left whole if fresh or sliced into thin rounds.

2. Sauté the vegetables:
In a large skillet, add 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil and heat over medium heat. Add the zucchinis and green bell pepper and sauté for about 3-4 minutes. Add the green onions and mushrooms and continue to cook for another 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Add the flavors:
Once the vegetables have softened, add the crushed (or finely chopped) garlic and the roasted pepper paste. Mix well, allowing all the flavors to combine for 1-2 minutes. You will smell the garlic aroma spreading throughout the kitchen!

4. Prepare the sauce:
Pour the tomato puree into the skillet and stir. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes. If you notice the sauce reducing too much, feel free to add a few tablespoons of water or broth to maintain its consistency.

5. Cook the pasta:
In a separate pot, bring water to a boil and add salt. Add the bavette and cook according to the package instructions, usually between 8 and 10 minutes, until al dente. Once done, drain them, but reserve a little cooking water to adjust the sauce if necessary.

6. Combining:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, mixing it with the vegetable sauce. For an extra flavor boost, you can now add salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. If you want a more intense taste, crush a garlic clove and add it to the mix.

7. Serving:
Serve the bavette with zucchini and mushrooms hot, sprinkled with a little fresh basil if available. You can accompany this dish with a fresh green salad or whole-grain bread for added substance.

Useful tips:
- If you want to add a crunchy ingredient, you can sprinkle roasted pumpkin seeds or chopped nuts on top.
- This recipe can be adapted based on seasonal vegetables you have available. For example, you can add carrots, eggplants, or pumpkin.

Nutritional benefits:
This pasta recipe is not only delicious but also healthy! Zucchinis are rich in water and fiber, while mushrooms provide a significant amount of plant-based protein. Garlic, known for its antioxidant properties, adds a health boost to the entire dish.

Calories:
One serving of bavette with zucchini and mushrooms contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the amount of olive oil used and the type of pasta.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! You can replace bavette with any other type of pasta, such as penne or farfalle, depending on your preferences.

2. What can I do if I don't have roasted pepper paste?
You can use tomato sauce or even ketchup as an alternative, although the final taste will be slightly different.

3. How can I make this recipe vegan?
The recipe is already vegan, so you don't need to make any additional changes!

4. What drinks would pair well with this dish?
A flavored sparkling water or a dry white wine could perfectly complement the meal.

This bavette with zucchini and mushrooms recipe is an excellent way to enjoy seasonal vegetables and indulge in a nourishing and satisfying meal. Don't hesitate to experiment with the ingredients and bring your own variations! Enjoy your meal!