Panko breadcrumbs give spaghetti a crispy boost
Classic spaghetti with tomato sauce is a family favorite. Here it gets a crispy boost from toasted panko breadcrumbs and garlic. For this quick meal, I’ve added beef strips. Once the spaghetti is boiled, the rest of the meal is made in one pan.
I like to use panko breadcrumbs. They’re made from crustless white bread that is processed into flakes and then dried. They add a crisp texture.
Serve a washed, ready-toeat salad on the side to complete the meal.
Helpful Hints
■ 4 crushed garlic cloves can be used instead of minced garlic.
■ Any type of quick cooking beef can be used.
■ A few drops hot pepper sauce can be used instead of crushed red pepper.
■ Countdown:
■ Place water for pasta on to boil.
■ Sauté panko breadcrumbs and garlic, set aside.
■ Using the same skillet, cook the beef and sauce.
■ Drain pasta and add to the skillet with the beef.
Shopping List
To buy: 1 box whole wheat spaghetti, 1 container panko breadcrumbs, 1 small bottle crushed red pepper, 3/4pound grass-fed beef tenderloin, 1 jar minced garlic and 1 can reduced-sodium chopped tomatoes.
Staples: olive oil, salt and black peppercorns.
CRISPY SPAGHETTI WITH BEEF STRIPS Recipe by Linda Gassenheimer
Place a large saucepan ¾ filled with water on to boil for the pasta. Add the spaghetti to the boiling water and cook 8 minutes. While spaghetti cooks, heat 2 teaspoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the panko breadcrumbs and 1 teaspoon garlic. Sauté 1 to 2 minutes until golden. Remove to a plate and set aside.
Using the same skillet, add the 1 remaining teaspoon oil, remaining 1 teaspoon minced garlic, crushed pepper and beef. Sauté to brown beef on all sides, about 1 minute. Add chopped tomatoes and cook 5 minutes. Drain spaghetti and add to the skillet. Toss well with the meat and sauce. Add salt and pepper to taste. Divide between two dinner plates and sprinkle breadcrumbs on top.
Yield 2 servings.
Per serving: 586 calories (29% from fat), 19.1 g fat (6 g saturated, 7.6 g monounsaturated), 84 mg cholesterol, 46.2 g protein, 58.6 g carbohydrates, 5 fiber, 224 mg sodium.