Kohlrabi Spaghetti and Kale-Mushroom Bolognese
Try this Kohlrabi Spaghetti and Kale-Mushroom Bolognese recipe.
Try this Kohlrabi Spaghetti and Kale-Mushroom Bolognese recipe.
- 1 garlic clove minced
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/2 yellow onion finely diced
- 1 celery stalk finely diced
- 1 carrot, peeled finely diced
- 1/2 cup cremini mushrooms finely diced
- 2 tablespoons fabulous red wine (cabernet works perfectly)
- 1/2 pound 80 percent lean ground beef
- 1 14.5 ounce can organic crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup finely chopped kale leaves
- 2 medium kohlrabis blade c noodles trimmed
- 2 basil leaves sliced thinly (for garnish)
- Carbohydrate 3.86470416579412 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 4.41245416664498 g
- Fiber 0.889791672239267 g
- Protein 0.963866666467333 g
- Saturated Fat 0.618552333328719 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (131g)
- Sodium 332.850357634367 mg
- Sugar 2.97491249355485 g
- Trans Fat 0.152119416660069 g
- Calories 56 calories
Step-by-step
- In a large stockpot over medium heat, warm the olive oil.
- Add the onion and cook for about 5 minutes, or until soft.
- Add the celery and carrot and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Add the mushrooms and garlic cook for 5 minutes more, or until all the liquid has evaporated.
- Add the tomato paste, and stir to coat all the vegetables.
- Sauté for an additional 5 minutes to deepen and develop the flavor.
- Add the meat, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon to break up any large pieces, and sauté for about 10 minutes, until the meat is cooked through.
- Increase the heat to medium-high, add the red wine and deglaze the pan.
- Cook until all the alcohol has evaporated and the brown bits have released from the bottom of the pan, 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add the crushed tomatoes and the sea salt.
- Reduce the heat to low and cook for 35 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Five minutes before the sauce is ready, add the kale to the sauce.
- Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and spray with cooking spray.
- Once heated, add in the kohlrabi noodles, season with salt and pepper and cook for 3-5 minutes for al dente or longer for your preference.
- Note that you may need to cook the kohlrabi noodles in batches (or use a wok for extra room).
- Divide the kohlrabi noodles into bowls and top with the finished sauce and garnish with basil.
Kohlrabi Spaghetti and Kale-Mushroom Bolognese: A Delicious and Healthy Meal
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook healthy and delicious meals can feel like a constant struggle. Between work deadlines, school pick-ups, and after-school activities, the last thing I want to do when I get home is spend hours in the kitchen. That's why I'm always on the lookout for quick, easy, and nutritious recipes that don't compromise on flavor. This Kohlrabi Spaghetti and Kale-Mushroom Bolognese is one of my absolute favorites. It's not only incredibly tasty but also packed with nutrients and surprisingly simple to make, even on a weeknight.
The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. Kohlrabi noodles offer a fantastic low-carb alternative to traditional pasta, providing a satisfying texture without the guilt. The kale-mushroom bolognese is rich and flavorful, a hearty sauce that complements the delicate kohlrabi perfectly. I love using cremini mushrooms for their earthy aroma, but feel free to experiment with other varieties. This recipe is also easily adaptable to dietary preferences; you can easily swap the ground beef for plant-based protein or add other vegetables to suit your taste.
One of the things I appreciate most about this recipe is its ability to be prepped ahead of time. You can prepare the bolognese sauce earlier in the day or even the night before, storing it in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook. This significantly reduces cooking time when you're short on time. Simply toss the kohlrabi noodles with the sauce, and dinner is served!
Beyond the Recipe: Simple Weeknight Strategies
This recipe is more than just a delicious meal; it's a testament to the power of efficient cooking. Incorporating a few simple strategies into your routine can make a big difference in the time and effort you spend in the kitchen. Batch cooking, for example, is an invaluable tool. Preparing large batches of components like sauces or grains on the weekend and storing them for use throughout the week can save you valuable time during the busy weeknights.
Meal Prepping for the Win
Another crucial element of successful weeknight cooking is meal prepping. Spending a couple of hours on the weekend to chop vegetables, cook grains, or prepare portions of your meals eliminates the need for last-minute prep during the week. Imagine walking into your kitchen after a long day, already knowing that dinner is mostly ready to go. It’s a game-changer!
Embrace the Power of Simple Ingredients
Finally, don't be afraid to embrace simple ingredients. You don't need a pantry full of exotic spices to create a delicious and nutritious meal. This recipe showcases the power of fresh, seasonal ingredients, allowing their natural flavors to shine. The combination of earthy mushrooms, peppery kale, and slightly sweet kohlrabi is a testament to the magic of simple ingredients combined in a flavorful way. It is an accessible recipe for everyone looking for a healthy alternative to standard spaghetti meals.
Variations and Adaptations
The beauty of this recipe is in its versatility. Experiment with different types of mushrooms, add in other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, or substitute the ground beef for turkey or chicken. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, you can easily omit the meat and add in lentils or chickpeas for extra protein.
This Kohlrabi Spaghetti and Kale-Mushroom Bolognese is more than just a recipe; it's a philosophy. A philosophy of quick, healthy, and delicious cooking that fits seamlessly into the life of a busy woman. It's a testament to the idea that we can enjoy flavorful and nutritious meals even amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life.
