South-American inspired bean and broccoli pasta (Vegan)

Laura Clarke, Wellbeing & Health Coach

Cooking time: 30 minutes

Cheers to nutritionist, Laury Seller, aka @TheFrenchNutritionist for this cheeky little vegan dinner. (It has a spice in it that I'd never heard of - but made me giggle, and sent me into a very weird google rabbit hole.)

Why is it good for my brain?

Why is it good for my brain?

B, is for beans. And brain. And also for B vitamins. (Oh yeah, they're in Heights.) B vitamins are key for the function of your nervous system, and for enabling you to understand your own genetic code. Beans are full of them, and a great veggie/vegan source of B vitamins that can be tricky to find on a meat-free diet. Broccoli is the other brain-star here, with it's high levels of vitamin K and choline helping with memory and cognitive ability. Wrap it all up with some healthy glugs of EVOO, and you've got yourself a neurotrition feast.


"This hearty recipe is full of flavours and perfect for a pasta night at home. Merkén gives a mild spicy kick to the dish, and the toasted pine nuts seal the deal!


In addition to providing 2 of your 5 a day, this meal will also give you a boost of polyphenols from the beans and folate from the broccoli, two nutrients associated with improved cognitive function and brain health." - Laury

Ingredients:

For 2 people (preparation time: 25 min)

  • 120g cooked wholewheat pasta
  • 1 can of cannellini beans (250g)
  • 1 medium broccoli head, chopped into florets
  • 1 medium red onion, chopped
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 handful of toasted pine nuts
  • 2 tbsp of merkén spice
  • 2 tbsp of mixed herbs (oregano, thyme, parsley, sage)
  • 2 tbsp of garlic powder

 

 

 

Method:

  1. Cook the pasta according to package instruction until al dente.

  2. While pasta is cooking, boil or steam the broccoli florets for 6-7 minutes.

  3. In a large pan, heat 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, stirring regularly until translucent.

  4. Add the merkén, mixed herbs and garlic. Add the broccoli, stir for 2 minutes, then add the cannellini beans. Salt to taste.

  5. Toss the cooked pasta into the pan, adding 1 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil to help combine the ingredients together.

  6. Before serving, sprinkle with toasted pine nuts and a pinch of merkén spice. Enjoy straight away!

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