Description
A vibrant and creamy beetroot pasta sauce combining roasted beetroot, tangy feta cheese, and fresh herbs, creating a nutritious and colorful meal perfect for a quick and healthy dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (about 170 g / 6 oz)
Beetroot Sauce
- 1 large beetroot or 2 small beetroot (about 170 g / 6 oz)
- 2–3 small garlic cloves, chopped
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/2 tsp crushed black pepper
- 100 g feta cheese or paneer
Garnish
- Fresh basil or cilantro
- Crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Cook the beetroot: Wash, peel, and roughly chop the beetroot. Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté the chopped garlic for about 30 seconds to release its aroma. Add the chopped beetroot and a pinch of salt, then cook for 1–2 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon of water, cover the pan, and simmer gently for 13–15 minutes until the beetroot becomes tender.
- Cook the pasta: While the beetroot is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Before draining, reserve half a cup of the pasta water for the sauce.
- Make the sauce: In a blender, combine the cooked beetroot, sautéed garlic, feta cheese (or paneer), lemon juice, and 2 to 3 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water. Blend until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. If using paneer instead of feta, adjust the seasoning by adding extra salt to taste.
- Combine: Return the drained pasta to the pot. Pour in the beetroot sauce and sprinkle with crushed black pepper. Toss everything together thoroughly, adding more reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky, well-coated sauce.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with crumbled feta cheese and fresh basil or cilantro for a burst of freshness and color. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- You can substitute feta with paneer if you prefer a milder cheese, but adjust salt accordingly.
- Reserve pasta water is key to adjusting the sauce consistency; it helps the sauce cling better to the pasta.
- Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro add a fresh flavor and make the dish visually appealing.
- Use olive oil for a healthier fat option and gentle sautéing of garlic enhances flavor.
- If you prefer a vegan version, substitute feta with a vegan cheese alternative and skip if unavailable.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
