Spinach Linguine with Walnuts – Oh, so good!

Today is bittersweet!  My childhood bff, Leena, and her family are on a plane to Hong Kong as I write.  This 3 year move will be a great opportunity for the family from a career standpoint.  I spoke with Leena this morning and she sounded sad, I mean it definitely isn’t easy leaving a country that has been home to you for the last X number of years.  At the same time I am almost positive there had to be a little excitement hidden somewhere in all that sadness.  This is Hong Kong we are talking about, a beautiful city with a NYC and SFO backdrop all in one with the British touch, sounds gorgeous, right?  I suggested she start a blog when she gets there, you know, something like, Expat Living in HK.  I don’t think she took me too seriously though – LOL – girl, just do it!  Personally, I think it’ll be a good way to release her excitement, feelings, frustrations, and help others who find themselves in a similar ordeal.  

So my dear Leena, if you are reading this, be strong, be brave, be tough, scope out the city, SHOP, eat amazing cuisine and perhaps you can guest post on my blog – hehe, learn Mandarin… I know it’ll all be a challenge, but isn’t that what life is about essentially?  At the end of the day, we all inspire to be better people, we all set goals, try and pursue a dream, challenge ourselves, otherwise life can get boring.  There is some good at the end of the tunnel and you’ll see that later in life.  For now, take life as it comes and I can’t wait to hear about the works you’ll be given.  🙂  You will be F-I-N-E!!!  And here is a little Mandarin to get you started – Wo Ai Ni means I Love You in Mandarin.  Now don’t even ask me how I know that – LOL! 

And now back to my cooking!  Today I made the most amazing and simple meal.  It took me 30 minutes to put together.  Sometimes I really love the way my brain works when it comes to food, too bad my light bulb isn’t always on in every other area of my life.  My inspiration for this lovely dish comes from one of my favorite bloggers, Tina Haupert of Carrots ‘N’ Cake.  Tina made the leafy portion of this dish with walnuts, collard greens and 4 tbsp of olive oil.  I loved the idea of the walnuts and greens and decided to turn this into a real pasta dish with cheese, tomatoes, and all.  This dish tasted amazing when consumed immediately.  In addition, the cheese and walnuts will fill you up so you won’t overeat – love it!

TELL ME: Did you ever leave your home country and relocate to a foreign country for work?  If so, what are your suggestions? 

NUTRITION: Spinach is loaded with tons of nutrients. It is rich in Vitamins A, C, and K, and is an excellent source of Iron and Folic Acid. Spinach is also a good source of Omega 3 fatty acids.  Walnuts are an excellent source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids.  Cheese is a good source of Calcium and Protein.  Whole Grain pasta adds Fiber and Protein to this dish.

INGREDIENTS:

• Pot of Water – boil 
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil & Salt – a little for the hot water
• Barilla Whole Grain Linguine Pasta – 1 pound box
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil – 2 tbsp 
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – 1 tsp
• Garlic – 5 cloves (chopped)… don’t skimp, you need 5!
• Walnuts – 1 cup (very rough chopped)
• Fresh Spinach – 1 10 oz. bag (washed & rough chopped)
• Black Pepper – 1 tsp
• salt to taste
• Pasta Starch Water – reserve a 1/4 cup to 1/3 cup
• Plum/Roma Tomatoes – 2 (bite size chopped)
• Parmesan Cheese – 1/2 to 3/4 cup (I used 3/4 cup)
  

DIRECTIONS:
1. Bring a pot of water to a boil.

2. In the meantime, chop the garlic.

3. Roughly run your knife across the walnuts – don’t chop them too much.

4. Roughly chop the spinach.

5. Shred/Grate your parmesan cheese.  I just used my Cuisinart Food Processor – takes less than 5 seconds to shred.  

6. Check on the boiling water – add a touch of Extra Virgin Olive Oil and season with salt.  

7. Add the linguine to the boiling water.

8. Cook until Al Dente – about 8 minutes.

9. While the pasta is cooking, heat a wok on medium heat, once hot, add Extra Virgin Olive Oil.  Add Crushed Red Pepper and garlic.  Saute about 10 seconds.

10. Add the walnuts.  Saute for 2 to 3 minutes – you should be able to smell the aroma of the walnuts.

11. This is what you should have.

12. Add the spinach, salt and black pepper.  Stir and allow this to wilt – about 2 to 3 minutes. 

13. Reserve 1/2 a glass of starchy pasta water – you will need this later.

14. In the meantime, drain your pasta.  

15. Check on the spinach – this should be wilted completely.  

16. Add the pasta to the spinach, little by little.  Keep tossing.  LOWER THE HEAT TO DIAL #2 or low heat.

17. Toss.

18. Once all the pasta is added, add a little starchy water – about 1/4 cup.

19. Toss.

20. Chop the tomatoes.

21. Add the tomatoes with a little salt to the pasta.  Toss.

22. Add parmesan cheese – I used 3/4 cup, you can use less or more.  1/2 cup will work well too.  DO NOT USE MOZARELLA – it won’t do justice to this dish.  Toss.  Check to see if the tomatoes are warm, once heated thru, turn off the stove.

23. Treat yourself to a little bowl of heaven without the guilt!

TELL ME: Did you ever leave your home country and relocate to a foreign country for work?  If so, what are your suggestions?