I am glad to report that this has been one of my most productive week ever — creative juices were free-flowing, I kid you not. There’s something about Valentine’s Day that is so motivating. I look upon it as a challenge to create delicious and unique recipes. So far, it has been a great menu:
Bubbles: Citrusy Champagne Sangria
Appetizer: Roasted Beet Salad
Entree: Well, recipe as below 😉
I’ll let you in on a secret — the Husband literally despises pasta. Nope, I am not making this up. He plain HATES it. He complains about how bland and tasteless pasta can be sometimes. Let’s face it, he’s Indian and needs spices, punch and robust flavors in everything.
And I am equally stubborn, relentless and challenged to change his mind about pasta. It can be delicious, flavorful and full of potential. Just give pasta it another chance.
Popped a bottle of pomegranate juice and that’s when an idea struck! A marriage between spaghetti and pomegranate juice would create a delicious palate of flavors — from sweet to tang of pomegranate juice to meaty & earthy deliciousness of portobellos — It’s simple, rustic and bursting with deep colors 🙂
You’ve got to love the depth of color by infusing spaghetti with pomegranate juice — no artificiality food coloring. Initially, I thought of cooking spaghetti in a rich red wine sauce but then, there’s sangria. Too much alcohol and we might not be able to enjoy desserts afterwards.
I’d happily give up booze for desserts. Heh.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz whole wheat, organic pasta
- 5-6 cups of hot water
- 2 cups pomegranate juice
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 huge portobello caps, sliced
- 4 small garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 5-6 sprigs of fresh sage
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped Italian parsley for garnish
Directions:
- Boil a few cups of water in a pasta pot. Add 1/2 tsp salt & pasta to cook for only 5 minutes on medium-high heat. Drain pasta and wash under cold running water to stop the cooking.
- Heat a non-stick skillet on medium high. Add pom juice to heat through before adding cooled pasta.
- Stir pasta into pom juice, turn down the heat to medium/low and allow to gently simmer for 15 minutes. Stir every once in a while.
- Once pasta is al dente or fully absorbs pom juice, drain and set aside.
- In a separate skillet on medium heat, add sliced portobello & 1/2 tsp salt. Cover and allow it to steam for 2 minutes.
- Setting portobello on the sides of the skillet, add butter in the center. Allow butter to completely melt.
- Sprinkle minced garlic & sage leaves into the melted butter. Fry till fragrant. Do not burn.
- Combine portobello with fragrant sage garlic butter. Cook through.
- Remove portobello & sage garlic butter from heat. Add pasta to combine.
- Serve hot or room temperature topped with freshly ground black pepper and sprinkling of Italian parsley. Dig in with a fork & a side of sangria 🙂
After devouring a bowl, the Husband happily went for seconds with a big smile on his face, a thumbs up sealing the approval. Mission accomplished! Wow, never knew victory was so sweet 🙂
Are you a pasta LOVER or HATER?
Comments on this entry are closed.
WOW that first photo!!!!!!!!!!! in love!
Kath recently posted..Classic Dipped Salad
Kath,
Thanks sweetie 🙂
Love this recipe! Never thought of cooking pasta with pomegranate juice! Sounds so good.
chinmayie @ love food eat recently posted..Black and White Wednesday – Man with the Hot Almond Milk
Chinmayie,
Thanks dear — just to inform you, I am unable to access your site. My anti-virus software detected a trojan virus and blocked your site. Just thought to inform you.
I love pasta and husband hates it. This looks so pretty.
Maureen recently posted..Everyone Can Make a Fluffy Omelette
Maureen,
Thanks sweetie — glad we share something in common, about our husbands 🙂
uhhh thats a lovely idea. very interessting technique too. u just inspired me to try out new things.
haha! I have the same issue with my husband who complains about how plain pasta can be. lol (and he eats maggie noodles, freaking maggie noodles!! O.o) man can be so difficult to satisfy, but like that at least they help us to perfection, right?
wish u a lovely weekend Kiran!
Helene Dsouza I Masala Herb recently posted..Masala chai – The Indian tea
Helene,
So glad you are inspired by this post — I worked so hard on this recipe 🙂
Tell me about maggi, it’s mind boggling 😀
You got my attention here! First of all, your husband hates pasta?! I’m glad you were able to change his mind, just a little, with this dish. Looks amazing. I love pomegranates and I love pasta – this is just brilliant!
Katherine,
Yeah, he hates pasta. But I am glad he liked the taste of this recipe — perhaps I should dish out more pasta recipes to continue enticing his taste-buds? 😀
What a great idea to cook pasta in pomegranate juice! I would never have thought of that. We love pasta in our house! Gorgeous photos too!
Ina gawne recently posted..GINGER MANGO SMOOTHIE
Ina,
Thanks sweetie — you should try this recipe and let me know how it tastes 🙂
Your ingredients in this pasta make this truly exquisite! You have a very good sense of amalgamating flavors. This is wonderful! Beautiful pictures as well!
Gursahiba @ Exquisite Niche recently posted..Cupid’s Strawberry Delight
Gursahiba,
Thanks sweetie — I just think and come up with oddest combo in my head. Sometimes it’s a pleasant surprise. Not when it involves a kitchen sink filled to the brim 😀
I love pasta! Very creative recipe- looks beautiful and yummy too!
Sonali,
Thanks sweetie 🙂
How can someone hate pasta? I am a pasta lover for sure!!
Lauren recently posted..Super Bowl Party!
Lauren,
He is getting around to “liking” pasta. Give an Indian guy who grew up eating spices, a break 😉
This is a superb idea to infuse the pasta with pomegranates, it reminded of the beetroot colored pastas that I’ve tried in NYC. Great job on changing your husband’s mind!
NikS recently posted..bombay granitas
Niks,
Thanks dear — he is getting around to appreciate pasta. Just so long he gets his daily of spicy foods as well 🙂
I made a similar recipe by Michael Chiarello, but it uses a whole bottle of Zinfandel instead. It, too, has this glorious color. Wow, pomegrante pasta sounds absolutely delicious. Plus, think of all the antioxidants. It’s enough to make you want two helpings. 😉
Carolyn Jung recently posted..Braving the Line at Flour + Water, Plus a Sneak Peek of What’s to Come
Carolyn,
Thanks sweetie — the original recipes usually states red wine. But the flavors are absolutely mouth-watering using pomegranate. A must try 🙂
That is such a great idea!! The color is just beautiful too! Glad that he liked it – that makes your job SO much easier…
Jen at The Three Little Piglets recently posted..Apple Pie Jam
Jen,
So true — my job gets so much better with him, getting on board 🙂
Looks delicious!!!
Asmita recently posted..Panna Cotta With Balsamic Strawberries
Asmita,
Thanks sweetie 🙂
What fabulous pictures of a delicious dish!!
I am a fan of pasta but I can only eat 2-3 bites before I feel all carb’d out. Which is odd seeing as I can eat bread for days without a problem. 🙂
Ameena recently posted..how to be a parent
Ameena,
Thanks sweetie — I can totally relate with you on carb issues 😉
i love that maroon, i think this is the first time im seeing pasta in such a beautiful hue! lovely flavours
Deeps @ Naughty Curry recently posted..Thai Red Curry
Deeps,
Thanks dear 🙂
What a beautiful pasta!!
Aggie recently posted..Peppery Arugula and Meyer Lemon Pesto Sauce
Aggie,
Thanks sweetie 🙂
Just gorgeous! I absolutely love the color and infusing with juice if one of my favorite things to do 🙂 And I am also loving this flavor combination…beautiful dish!
Magic of Spice recently posted..Picture-Perfect Meals: Little Book of Appetizers
Magic of Spice,
Thanks a lot sweetie 🙂
What a creative pasta recipe! Beautiful photos.
Angie@Angie’s Recipes recently posted..Buckwheat Wasabi Crackers with Walnuts and Sesame Seeds
Angie,
Thanks sweetie 🙂
Whaaaa? How can anyone despise pasta?!?!?!
Your dish looks fabulous Kiran – I never would have thought of combining pomegranate with pasta before… what a fantastic and novel idea! I’ll have to give it a shot!
Charles,
I know!! It’s difficult, but that’s the truth. He is warming to the idea of pasta now 🙂
Do give this recipe a try and let me know how it tastes 🙂
What a unique recipe! I haven’t heard of anything quite like this! I will have to try it sometime…
Shutterbug,
Thanks sweetie — do try this recipe and let me know how it tastes 🙂
Er wow! Another amazing recipe- I feel like I always say ‘amazing’ but your recipes really are something else! Never would I have thought to use pomegranate juice in a savory recipe! I am 100% a pasta lover- carbs for the win :D! It’s actually on the menu for tonight’s dinner!
Khushboo recently posted..Friday Favorite: Sunwarrior
Khushboo,
Thanks for the compliments, yaar — hope you enjoyed pasta for dinner the other night 🙂
What a great idea for colouring the pasta! I thought you made a pasta from scratch! 😮
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella recently posted..Watermelon Rind Jam (I’m totally serious here)
Lorraine,
Thanks dear — not only the color, but the infusion of natural sweetness and tangyness of pomegranates takes this pasta up a notch 🙂
Pasta from scratch?! Me?! 😀
i,m a half pasta lover ;). i always admire your idea! i love portobello mushroom anyway * really love the color of your pasta!
Ira Rodrigues recently posted..Sultana and Almond Rice / Nasi Bukhari
Ira,
Thanks sweetie — I am a half pasta lover too 😉
Hooray, you did it! I love when I’m able to change someone’s mind about a particular food. Very creative idea for this pasta dish, it sounds delicious, Kiran!
Caroline recently posted..back to baking. [lemon cupcakes w. graham cracker crust, blackberry filling & blackberry buttercream]
Caroline,
Thanks sweetie — your comments always makes me smile 🙂
Dear Kiran,
Now that pomegranate is in season, I think I might give this a go as I have always wanted to cook more with that fruit.
Dear Chopinand,
Thanks dear — do try this recipe and let me know how it tastes 🙂
Pasta LOVER right here! 😉
Also, how how how do you take such stunning photos??
I’m a fan! Can I come to you for classes? 🙂
Culinarystorm recently posted..Top 8 TV-show food moments (Part 2)
Storm,
Thanks so much sweetie — I have a blog post coming soon on my food photography — stay tuned 🙂
Aww, you are such a darling! Come over to Orlando, Florida for classes 😀
oh wow!! really waiting for that post! thank you 🙂
Culinarystorm recently posted..Lemon yogurt cake and a food exchange idea!
Interesting recipe, sounds delicious! Lovely captures!
Raks recently posted..EASY FRIED RICE RECIPE (INDIAN STYLE)
Raks,
Thanks dear 🙂
Very nice pics. Your macro revelry is a pleasure to be part of. Commenting before going through the recipes on the post. 🙂
subhorup dasgupta recently posted..Future Imperfect: The HSBC Global Research Report
Subhorup,
Thanks a lot — your support is encouraging 🙂
Wow, I’ve never thought of cooking pasta in pomegranate juice, but I love the gorgeous red hue it’s given the spaghetti!
I’m a pasta lover from way back…I love the stuff, especially spaghetti, which strangely I used to hate!
Jennifer (Delicieux) recently posted..Blood Plum Torte
Jennifer,
Thanks dear — I love spaghetti more than any other pasta shapes. I think it gives a very authentic presentation 🙂
He hates pasta? No!!
I think your genius for coming up with the idea to cook pasta in pomegranate juice: those beautiful read colours!
Denise recently posted..Vanilla Cupcakes with Vanilla Frosting
Denise,
Hahaha!! But he is coming around to appreciate it. Baby steps count, right? 😉
A splendid dish! I am a sucker for pomegranates, spaghetti and sage. A great combo.
Cheers,
Rosa
Rosa,
Thanks a lot sweetie — you are way too kind 🙂
Waw, What an amzing, tasty & healthy recipe!
Lovely flavour combinations in here & so apart too! 🙂
Absolutely beautiful! 😉
Sophie recently posted..Pasta with smoked bacon, rocket leaves, red bell pepper & rocket leaves pesto
Sophie,
Thanks sweetie — you are a gem 🙂
I have an obsession with pomegranate juice, I drink it nearly every day, I’ve never thought of putting it with a savoury meal before, but I’ve heard it’s quite common mixed with lamb in Moroccan cuisine. I will have to have a go at this recipe
Jenny,
Welcome to Recipebox and thanks for commenting 🙂 Do try this recipe and let me know how it tastes. Lamb and pomegranate would surely taste so good!
I cant wait to try this kind of pasta sound delicious and different to me..Thanks for sharing..
Maegan recently posted..Murano glass art
Maegan,
Welcome to Recipebox and thanks for commenting 🙂 Thank you for trying this recipe, and do let me know how it tastes!
I have to agree that this is a unique and out of the blues recipe. Surely a worth the try for the lovely and delicious looking outcome.
Nava,
Thanks a lot sweetie 🙂
Wow pasta with pomegranate juice is indeed novel! You have a lovely blog and your photos are all wow!
Cheers,
Suchi
Suchi recently posted..Pasta With Shrimp and Greens…
Suchi,
Welcome to Recipebox and thanks for the compliments — truly made my day 🙂
You did an amazing job coloring pasta! Oh my, yeah no food coloring, this is just fabulous~~~! By the way pasta shot is very dramatic. I love that shot, A LOT!!
Nami | Just One Cookbook recently posted..Nama Chocolate | Homemade Chocolate
Nami,
Thanks a lot sweetie — the whole idea is to infuse natural food colors and of course, the sweetness and tang from pomegranates definitely adds a lot of flavor to this dish 🙂
How creative! I love what you did with this recipe. I do love pasta but somehow I have a feeling that this would take that love to a whole other level.
Julie M. recently posted..Just a Boy and His Pink Rainbows
Julie,
Thanks a lot dear — do try this recipe and let me know how it tastes 🙂
What a great idea Kiran…beautiful pasta with pomegranate juice..
Thanks for this delicious recipe and hope you are having a wonderful week 🙂
Juliana,
Thanks a lot dear — hope you are having a great week as well 🙂
Wow, found this link via Tastespotting, I’m in love! First time visitor, definitely saving this recipe (and saving the site to my Google Reader). Thanks!
Cindie recently posted..dickensian fashion
Cindie,
Welcome to Recipebox and thanks for those wonderful compliments 🙂 Glad you love our space and thanks for subscribing 🙂
Do give this recipe a try and let me know how it tastes!!
You’re so super talented. Loving ever little thing you do!
Cass @foodmyfriend recently posted..Gluten Free Banana Cake with Passionfruit and Lemon Icing
Cass — thanks a lot, sweetie. You made my day 😀
Absolutely brilliant post dear! My hubby too HATES pasta 😉
easyfoodsmith recently posted..PLOUGHMAN’S TWISTED POTATO BREAD
EasyFoodSmith — Haha! He and Tarun can be best buddies 😀
WOW Kiran .. i can’t wait to try this pasta! Love the color.
kankana recently posted..Spinach Pesto with Roasted Garlic
Kankana — thanks sweetie. Do try and let me know how it tastes 🙂
This looks fab!
I adore pasta and would eat it daily if it was up to me – but like you I have a hubby who isn’t a great lover of it!
Will be giving this a try for sure – thanks 🙂
Lucy recently posted..PQQ Help
Lucy,
Welcome to Recipebox and thanks for commenting — do give this recipe a try and let me know how it tastes 🙂
i love the dark deep colors.. how pretty and so perfect for vday! i have both love and hate days with pasta.. it just depends on the day:)
Richa@HobbyandMore recently posted..Pear Quinoa Chai spice Bread loaf. vegan and Giveaway Winners.
Dear Richa — thanks for the sweet comment 🙂 I think we all have a day where we love/hate certain palates.
I must say this is the most original combination of flavours I’ve seen in a while, and as a lover of pomegranate I’m going to have to give this a try sometime soon. Thanks for the inspiration!
Alana — welcome to Recipebox and thanks for commenting. Do try this recipe and let me know how it tastes 🙂
Namastey Bhabhi,
So glad to see ” Bumper to Bumper ” traffic on the blog.
More power to the venture.
Please post vegetable lo- mein photo tutorial soon.
Take care and be well
Manu
Manu — thanks so much. I would definitely post your request, soon 🙂 Take care and keep in touch.
I used to be very happy to find this web-site.I needed to thanks in your time for this glorious read!! I undoubtedly having fun with every little little bit of it and I’ve you bookmarked to check out new stuff you blog post.
Irena — Welcome to Recipebox and thanks for commenting 🙂 You can easily subscribe to our blog via email at http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=YumO&loc=en_US
Kiran this is wicked cool and inventive. Great job thinking outside the box. Love it.
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