Coastal Carrot “Fettuccine”

Create a healthier eating habit with this one.

Ingredients
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 cup grape tomatoes, quartered
2.5 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil, divided
3 large rainbow or orange carrots, peeled
1 cup tomato puree of choice
1/4 teaspoon sweet paprika
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds, toasted, for garnish

1. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-low heat. Add the garlic and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the tomatoes and 2 tablespoons of the basil and sauté until the tomatoes burst and release their juices, about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, slice the carrots into ribbons, using either a spiral slicer (aka spiralizer) or a vegetable peeler (this is easiest when you hold the carrot down on a flat surface).

2. Add the carrots, tomato sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper to the pan, and cook until the carrots are tender, about 10 minutes. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 tablespoon basil and the pumpkin seeds before serving.

carrot “fettuccini” with lemon thyme butter sauce

This look great, so easy but delicious.  Serves 2


3 medium carrots (about 3.5 ounces/105 grams), scrubbed clean or outer layer peeled
few sprigs of fresh lemon thyme
1 teaspoon unsalted butter
sea salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

1.  Using a vegetable peeler, peel thin lengthwise strands from each carrot, stopping just before the core. Place in a glass microwave-safe bowl, add a few tablespoons of water, cover and cook on HIGH for 3 minutes, or until tender, but still toothsome (see Note).

2.  Meanwhile, remove the leaves from the lemon thyme, discarding the stems, and roughly chop. Set aside. Drain the water from carrot bowl, toss with butter & lemon thyme. Season & serve.

Note: You can alternately cook the carrot strands in a pot of boiling water until “al dente” or  I give it a quick saute 3 min in 2 tsp oil.