Masupa's Favorite Pasta: St. Patrick's Day Style

• 16 oz. box/bag Spinach Penne Rigate (Bowties are also great-- try whatever you like!)
• 2 Freshly Ripened Vine Tomatoes
• 2 Cups Fresh Broccoli Florets
• 1 Cup Thinly Sliced Fresh Carrots
• 1 Large Zucchini
• 1/2 Bunch Fresh Asparagus (Freshly Peeled)
• 2 Cups Uncooked Fresh Baby Spinach
• 1 Large Green Bell Pepper (Optional)
• 1/2 Cup Freshly Shelled Peas (Optional)
• 4 Large Cloves Garlic (Freshly smashed and diced)
• 1/4 Cup Pine Nuts
• 1/4 Cup Freshly Sliced Kalamata Olives
• 1/4 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 Tbs. Vegan Margarine (if desired)
• 1 Tbs. Oregano
• 1 Tsp. Thyme
• 1 Tsp - 1 Tbs. Red Chili Flakes (if you desire a spicy dish)
• Salt and Pepper to Taste
• Vegan Parmesan Cheese (Garnish)

Begin by boiling pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente. While the pasta is cooking, toast the pine nuts by frequently shaking them in a small pan over low heat until golden brown. Set aside.

In the same pan, add a few drops of olive oil and the baby spinach. Sauté lightly, just enough to wilt, adding a dash of salt. Dice tomatoes. Set both aside.

Chop the rest of the vegetables into 1 inch (bite-sized) pieces. Feel free to add any of your favorite vegetables to the mix, such as onions, squash, green beans, potatoes, eggplant, red pepper (works especially well freshly roasted!), etc. Steam the vegetables for 2-3 minutes (can be done by wrapping a wet paper towels and microwaving if necessary).

Heat half the Extra Virgin Olive Oil in a large skillet on Low. Add garlic and stir with a wooden spoon until lightly browned.

Turn heat up to Medium-High and add the tomatoes. Allow the tomatoes to cook down slightly, then add the freshly steamed vegetables. Season with Oregano, Thyme, Salt, Pepper, and Red Chili Flakes if desired (be careful of spice-- adjust to your guests' tastes).

Turn heat down to a touch below Medium.

Drain pasta save for about 1/2 cup to be set aside. Add pasta to skillet and drizzle lightly with olive oil. Add pine nuts and kalamata olives. Toss well.

Taste and season more as you like! Cook for about 3 minutes, adding pasta water slowly when needed to keep heat down and pasta cohesive.

Add vegan margarine if desired and toss for another minute or so. Tasting will be key as cooking times may vary. Garnish with vegan parmesan cheese!

Serve hot and enjoy wowing your St. Patrick's Day guests with an outstanding meal made without harming any animals!! Non-vegetarians will love it as much if not more than your vegan guests!

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Happy St. Patrick's Day from all of us at Crabble Dabble Entertainment!!