Whether you’re gearing up for the Super Bowl, looking forward to the Puppy Bowl, excited that World Tutu Day (Feb. 2) happens to be on a Tuesday this year (2/2/2021 — Tutu Tuesday), or eager to watch Bill Murray in the classic comedy “Groundhog Day,” there’s a lot going on.
Or, maybe you’re not interested in any of it, and instead plan to unwind on the couch with a good book or listening to music.
Sports and the arts (as well as other interests that don’t easily fit into those categories) offer us the opportunity to connect in new ways. They help us make sense of our experiences, and develop and shape our connections with one another.
How we shape those connections looks different for different people. Perhaps that’s why some of us are more drawn to one area of interest than another. Diversity and variety are good — in our interests, ways of forming connections, and in our food choices.
Whether one of the week’s mentioned above is on your radar, or if you’re interested in something completely different, consider giving garbanzo bean pasta a try. Banza is one brand of this pasta that’s easy to spot in the grocery aisle because it comes in a bright orange box. There are several other brands and versions of it, too.
Garbanzo beans (also known as chickpeas) are a great source of dietary fiber, which can help manage cholesterol and blood sugar, and promote digestive health. If you’re not a fan of beans or hummus, this is a great way to enjoy the nutritional benefits in pasta form. Just one ingredient — chickpea flour — is used to make the pasta. The texture is slightly more dense than traditional pasta, but overall surprisingly similar in taste.
Garbanzo beans also offer a source of calcium, which — paired with vitamin D — is an integral part of promoting bone health. Plus, chickpeas offer some protein, making this pasta higher in protein than most other forms and a great choice for a meatless meal.
Just like our interests, this pasta comes in a variety of shapes. Included below is a recipe for Caprese Pasta Salad, a versatile and easy side dish. Using the main recipe, here are a few ideas for how to tie in these shapes with themes of your favorite activity this week:
- Super Bowl: Make this pasta salad with garbanzo bean “shell” pasta to look like footballs. Substitute yellow cheddar cheese + cherry tomatoes if you’re rooting for the Chiefs; or add olives + cherry tomatoes if you’re rooting for the Buccaneers.
- Puppy Bowl: Use chickpea pasta in bowtie shapes to represent the puppies all dressed up.
- Tutu Tuesday: Try rotini or a casarecce garbanzo bean pasta (Banza makes both of these) to fit the spiral theme of all the turning in dance.
- Groundhog Day: “Wheel”-shaped garbanzo bean pasta suggests the repeating circle that happens in the movie.
- Readers or musicians: Banza has alphabet-shaped pasta, for avid readers or those wanting to write a new song.
Caprese Pasta Salad
Serves 6-8
All you need:
1 box chickpea flour pasta
1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
½ (8-ounce) package mozzarella pearls, halved
2 tablespoons Gustare Vita balsamic vinegar
1/3 cup Gustare Vita olive oil
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ cup chopped fresh basil
All you do:
Cook pasta according to package directions; cool slightly. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, tomatoes and mozzarella; set aside.
In a small bowl, add balsamic vinegar, olive oil and pepper; whisk to combine.
Add dressing to pasta salad, and stir gently until well combined. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Stir in fresh chopped basil just before serving, and enjoy!
Recipe source: Adapted from Hy-Vee.com, www.hy-vee.com/recipes-ideas/recipes/caprese-pasta-salad
Amanda Moder is a registered dietitian for Hy-Vee stores. This information is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice.
The Link LonkFebruary 01, 2021 at 01:04PM
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