Swamp monster pasta: A Halloween feast with a healthy twist
More and more people are celebrating Halloween, using it as an opportunity to have fun with friends. It's also a great chance to adjust your menu for the occasion and prepare dishes that match the festive atmosphere. Aside from creative party ideas, you can prepare a meal to impress all those picky eaters who love Halloween.
31 October 2024 16:31
Creativity in the kitchen is essential for turning even a simple lunch into a spooky dish that fits the holiday's vibe. Kids love pasta and tomato sauce, and with spirulina, you can transform it into a swamp monster’s meal or a decaying bride's dish. It's tasty, easy to prepare, and healthy.
What is spirulina?
Spirulina is a blue-green algae rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is considered one of the healthiest ingredients to include in your diet, and it also adds an interesting colour to your meals. Spirulina contains B vitamins, vitamin E, iron, magnesium, zinc, and beta-carotene. It also has large amounts of antioxidants, which protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. As a result, it not only enhances the visual effect of your dishes but also adds a healthy variety to your diet.
Swamp Monster Pasta - A Halloween lunch idea
Spirulina acts like a magic wand in this recipe, transforming ordinary pasta into a swamp monster's delight. Marinara sauce is also a must-have, as it's one of Italian cuisine's simplest and most delicious dishes. It's a great idea for a Halloween lunch, setting the mood even before the themed snacks appear on the table.
Ingredients:
Marinara sauce:
- 75 mL (5 tablespoons) olive oil,
- 1 onion,
- 200 g (7 ounces) canned diced tomatoes,
- 2 small carrots,
- 2 cloves of garlic,
- 1 tablespoon dried basil,
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano,
- 1.5 teaspoons salt.
Other ingredients:
- 400 g (14 ounces) pasta, such as elbow macaroni,
- 1 tablespoon spirulina.
Instructions:
Step 1. Peel and finely chop the onion. Heat oil in a pan and sauté the onion. When it becomes translucent, add dried basil and oregano. After a moment, add the canned tomatoes.
Step 2. Next, add minced garlic, salt, pepper, and grated carrots. Simmer the mixture over low heat for 30 minutes. Add a little water if necessary.
Step 3. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Transfer to a bowl and add spirulina. Mix thoroughly to coat and colour all the pasta.
Step 4. Place a portion of pasta on a plate and pour the prepared sauce over it. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan. You can also add pine nuts. The swamp monster pasta for Halloween is ready. Enjoy!