Off late whenever I ask my little boy, "What would you like for lunch baby? ", the only answer I get is 'Phaasta -Paawn' and my heart melts:) He actually means Pasta with Prawns. These are the two new words that he has recently mastered and if you ask him any thing about food he will only repeat "Phaasta -Paawn". To this my daughter adds broccis (broccolis) and carrot. Thank goodness that till now they enjoy eating veggies..and I take full advantage of that. LOL
Since both my kids love pasta it is a very frequently cooked family meal in my kitchen. As we all know it is quick, easy and a filling meal that you can make in minutes. Adding the choice of veggies, prawns, chicken or minced meat you can make a bowl full of healthy and delicious pasta. Great for those busy week nights and kids lunch boxes.
My daughter who has just moved to a Montessori Preschool needs to pack lunch from home unlike her days in daycares, and their centre is egg and nut free. They will not allow any food that has egg or nut in them. This was another interesting chapter where I needed little bit of brainstorming. I make her pasta very often for lunch in addition to fresh fruits and yoghurt that goes in, and she loves it. Infact, she only wants pasta and nothing else for lunch.
This recipe yields two generous servings. You will need :
1 Cup cooked small spiral pasta (you can use any other variety)
1/2 cup tail on prawns
3-4 cloves of garlic finely chopped or minced
2 tbsp Butter or olive oil/EVO (2-3 tablespoon)
Half brown onion (chopped) - u may use 2 spring onions as well
1/2 broccoli florets
1/2 cup sweet potato/carrot cubed into bite sizes
1/4 cup milk
1 tablespoon plain flour
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup cream
3-4 tablespoon chopped curly parsley
Seasoning of salt and white pepper powder
Sweet paprika powder to season (optional)
Step 1: In a saucepan boil water with some salt and add pasta to the boiling water. Give it a stir and let it cook. Stirring the pasta is essential to avoid clinginess. Once cooked drain and set aside.
Step 2: Rinse the prawns lightly under cold stream of running water. Pat dry with a kitchen towel. Marinate the prawns with 1 tablespoon of chopped garlic and parsley, 1 tablespoon of olive oil and seasoning of salt and pepper. Set aside.
Step 3: Place the veggies in your vegetable steamer and microwave for around 3-4 minutes, maximum 5 minutes in total. Alternatively you may even blanch the broccoli florets in salted boiling water for 2-3 minutes, remove and dump them in cold water. The broccolis should still maintain their crunch and the colour. In the same water add the sweet potatoes or carrots and cook until tender.
Step 4: In a thick bottomed pan heat little butter or olive oil. Take care not to overheat, add the marinated prawns. Saute them till the prawns turn pink, remove and set aside.
Step 5: Add some more oil or butter in the same pan. Add rest of the garlic and onion and parsley. Add red capsicum or spinach leaves now, if using. (See notes) Saute them on medium heat. When the onions start turning a bit translucent (we do not need to brown them) add flour, mix and stir on low heat.
Step 6: Add milk, little bit at a time stirring or whisking to make a thick white sauce.
Step 7: Add the cooked pasta, Parmesan cheese and mix well.
Step 8: Add the cooked veggies and give it a gentle stir.
Step 9: Add the prawns with all the juices from stir frying. Next pour the cream. Stir and bring everything together.
Step 10: Garnish with some more cheese if you like, and herbs
Delicious and creamy indulgence is ready to be served.
NOTES:
You may try out these alternatives for the sauce:
a. use only cream and not milk (no need to add plain flour)
b. use only milk and no cream in the recipe
c. when pressed for time use store bought white sauces such as carbonara (they'll love) or Alfredo.
d. Any tomato base sauce such as Napolitana, Bolognese etc
e. Combination of tomato and white sauce or cream
f. Use roasted or freshly chopped red capsicum, baby spinach and saute them with the onion and garlic.
g. Replace prawns with bite sized chicken breast. Cook the chicken pieces for a little longer as compared to the prawns.
The opportunities are endless!
ENJOY..
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With deep care
EAT as you LIKE..