Hi everyone, I made a recipe I haven't made in a while tonight. We had fallen out of touch, like old friends, but now we are reunited. I am now a convert to frozen spinach...easier to work with. And I'm thawing it in the microwave, like Lora recommended. I'll be trying her vegetarian lasagna soon (it's in her October archives if you feel like digging around).
Penne with spinach and chickpeas in garlic sauce (Jeanne Lemlin, Quick Vegetarian Pleasures)
1 10-ounce package of frozen spinach, thawed in the microwave
1 lb penne
1/3 c olive oil
6 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 t crushed red pepper flakes
2 medium tomatoes, cored and cut into 1/2-inch dice
1 15-oz can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1/4 t salt
1/4 c Parmesan (I used more)
Bring a 6-qt pot of water to boil and add the penne. Cook until al dente, 12 to 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, make the sauce. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes and chickpeas and cook 2 minutes more. Add the spinach, salt and 1/4 c boiling pasta water and stir well. Cook until heated through, about 3 minutes.
When the pasta is done, drain it thoroughly in a colander. Return it to the pot or put it in a large serving bowl. Spoon on the sauce and toss well. Sprinkle on the Parmesan cheese, toss again, and serve with additional cheese to pass at the table.
We're watching "How I Met Your Mother" right now. It's not the best show in the world, but I'm always pleasantly surprised when we watch it. Doogie Hawser, all grown up, is pretty funny. He has a snide persona, similar to his character in "Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle" (a fun movie if you haven't seen it). Another character, Lily (she's played by the Hannigan girl from the American Pie movies, I can't remember her first name for the life of me) is forced to make a 6-layer salad for her future-in-laws. Key ingredients are mayonnaise (16 cups!) and gummy bears.
P.S. I did some online shopping and I am now officially done with my Christmas shopping. THANK GOD. I think Bdogg inspired me with her vow to finish by Thanksgiving. My credit cards are groaning, assaulted by a huge wave of evil...but I'm done.
Comments
She's actually wearing a T-shirt that says Yum-O on the cover of her magazine ;)
I think I'm addicted to frozen spinach now. The texture is better and everything.
I've only seen it a couple of times, but I like Doogie's character on the new show. I didn't think I could ever see him as anything but an adorable nerd.
I think the actress's name is Allison... Hannigan?
;-)
Liz - I think I only saw the show a few times. He has totally remade his image. If you rent Harold & Kumar, you'll never see him the same way again ;) I think you're right about the actress's name.
Lisa & New Mezger - I hope you like the penne! :)
Michelle - Good luck with the shopping. I shudder to think at how much I spent in total.
Word verification: fstlbany
I keep passing by this movie but never rented it. Okay, next time I pass by it, I'll pick it up. Could use a good laugh or two (and more ideas to steal ;).