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Mediterranean Pasta and Pesto

Contributed by: NewsUSA

Moms Unite to End Veggie Vetoes (NewsUSA) - Moms are often struck by the challenge of how to serve more vegetables to their family, but asking children to eat their vegetables doesn't have to lead to drama at the dinner table.

Mediterranean Pasta and Pesto
Nutrition instructor at the Culinary Institute of America, Connie Guttersen, R.D., Ph.D., offers these tips:

  • Beans are a great vegetable to add to soups because they go well with other ingredients and come in a wide variety. Unlike most vegetables, beans are a good source of protein and an excellent source of fiber.

  • If red pasta sauce is a favorite, incorporate veggies such as bell peppers, kidney beans and squash into the cooked tomato sauce. Use a handheld blender to make the texture creamy and all one color.

  • Let your kids experience seasoning their veggies according to their tastes with herbs like basil, rosemary, cilantro or mint. Use simple flavors like olive oil, sea salt and lemon, or try using exciting flavors like chili powder, curry and your family's favorite spice rubs.

  • Try flavorful recipes that include vegetables like beans. Bush's kid-tested and approved Mediterranean Pasta and Pesto recipe is a great pick:

Ingredients:

  • 2 slices diced smoked bacon
  • 1 cup diced onions
  • 2 tablespoons garlic sliced thin
  • 1 tablespoon minced thyme
  • 1 cup chopped canned tomatoes
  • 1 can Bush's Cannellini Beans or Great Northern Beans with liquid
  • 1/3 teaspoon salt
  • 1 pinch of black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon pesto
  • 1 pound wagon-wheel pasta

Directions:

Heat a 2-quart saucepot over medium heat. Add bacon, and cook for four minutes until crispy. Reduce heat to low, and add garlic and thyme for two minutes. Add onions and tomatoes until translucent and soft. Finally, add beans with liquid, and simmer for 15 minutes. Combine with cooked pasta, and stir in pesto before serving.

For 1,000 delicious recipes and more veggie tips, visit VegetableWithMore.com.

Serving Size: Makes 5 - 6 Servings


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