Creamy Broccoli, Spinach and Avocado Spaghetti (#Vegan, #LowGL)

The word for today most definitely has to be “Procrastination” and believe me I am brilliant at it. I know there are lots of things that I need to do and get on with and I am finding anything to do to avoid them. Why am I doing this? Well it is something I have happily developed over the last few years and I think it is the bury the head in the sand tactic with the hope things might sort themselves out.

I have to say that although things occasionally do just sort themselves out the majority of the time I have needed to be proactive to resolve things. It is always worth being proactive as when I am not things always weigh on my mind and so are there constantly eating away at me and the reality is that most of the time things are easier to sort out than you realise.

I apologise for the talking in riddles, it is not intended it is just there are so many things going on at the moment and things that I want to keep to myself until they are resolved that it is easier to give you a rough overview until I know more about it. Anyway enough of this random waffle and on with the recipe.

The first thing I want to address on this recipe is the use of pasta. I know that I am always going on about Low GL recipes and that meals heavy in carbohydrates are not that good for you but that does not mean you cannot eat pasta. The important things to remember is to keep the portion sizes small and to make sure it is whole wheat pasta. I also want to add that this dish is filled full of vegetables and is so good for you in so many ways that you really cannot go wrong.

If you are just having a small meal then this dish might be enough for you but if you are looking to have a larger meal then consider serving it with a protein filled salad. You could also consider serving it with these lovely Lemon & Garlic Butter Beans to get your protein fill.

Creamy Broccoli, Spinach and Avocado Spaghetti

Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 20 mins

Total Time: 35 mins

Ingredients

250g/8.8oz Whole Wheat Spaghetti

200g/7oz Broccoli, broken into florets

100g/3.5oz Spinach

1 Onion, thinly sliced

2 Garlic Cloves, sliced

1 Red Chilli, chopped and deseeded (or not if you prefer)

1 tbs Olive Oil (medium or mild)

A Large Handful of Basil, leaves and stems

1 Avocado, peeled and stone removed

2 tbs Lemon Juice

1/4 tsp So Low Salt

Instructions

1. Bring a pan of salted water to the boil and cook the pasta as the instructions on the pack until Al Dente.

2. When pasta is about 5 minutes from being ready add the broccoli to the pan and cook with the pasta.

3. While the pasta is cooking heat the oil in a large non-stick pan and then cook the onion on a low heat until it is soft but do not allow it to brown.

4. Add the garlic and chilli to the pan and cook for a couple more minutes, until the garlic is fragrant and then add the spinach and allow it to wilt.

5. To make the avocado sauce put the basil, avocado, lemon juice and salt in a food processor and blend until it is completely smooth.

6. When the pasta is ready at it and the broccoli to the pan with the spinach and onion mix and combine well.

7. Add the avocado sauce the pan and mix until the pasta is completely coated.

8. Serve pasta warm or allow to cool but I have to say I prefer it as a warm dish.

Nutrition

This is a really nutritious dish full of vitamins and minerals and also is a low GL dish that would be perfect for anyone that is looking to lose a little bit of weight.

The major highlights of this dish are detailed below:

• Estimated GI of 30
• Estimated GL of only 6
• No cholesterol
• High in dietary fiber
• High in manganese
• High in selenium
• Very high in vitamin A
• Very high in vitamin B6
• Very high in vitamin C