Its Time For Some Italian Food...!

When you have a family of very picky eaters, dishing up a meal that can satisfy every one's gastronomical senses is a real challenge - specially if you, like me, cannot be tied to the kitchen all day. I do like to cook an occasional fancy meal, but weekdays are quick meal days. My husband Salil is a good cook too, and we make sure that we involve the kids to help us in the kitchen. As a result, my children Varun and Riya, have started enjoying to cook and can come up with some really delightfully tasty recipes.

Riya makes delicious Italian Shrimp and we all love it. She calls it 'Riya's Italian Shrimp' and for the preparation she uses Spicy Spaghetti Seasoning, and a little of this and a little of that. My family likes the Shrimp with Pasta and Corn. For the Pasta I came up with a recipe with some veggies and cheese and of course, the spaghetti seasoning. The kids love this recipe and wont eat pasta made with store bought sauces...(how I wish they would once in a while eat pasta with Barilla marinara sauce, which I love).

Varun is coming home this weekend, so Riya wants to prepare her special dinner of Italian Shrimp and Pasta.  I would like to share with you the recipe for 'Riya's Italian Shrimp', Pasta, Corn and Italian Vegetables (specially requested by my niece Salome).

RIYA'S ITALIAN SHRIMP

     Ingredients

• 1 lb medium Shrimp, shelled and cleaned
• 2 cloves Garlic, finely chopped 
• 2 tsp Spicy Spaghetti Seasoning
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 tsp Lemon Zest
• 1/2 tsp Lemon Juice 

    Directions

• Heat olive oil in a saucepan. 
• Add the garlic and stir for a minute until light yellow.
• Add the shrimp and stir well.
• Add the spicy spaghetti seasoning, lemon zest and lemon juice.
• Cook for about 6-8 minutes until the shrimp are cooked.
• Serve with Pasta and Corn
  

PASTA

     Ingredients

• 2 cups Barilla Cellentani or any other pasta you choose. I prefer Barilla.
• 1 Onion, sliced
• 2 cups Spinach, chopped
• 1/2 cup Red Bell Pepper, cut into small squares
• 1/2 cup steamed Broccoli - optional
• 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil 
• 2 tbsp Spicy Spaghetti Seasoning 
• 1/4 tsp Red Chili Flakes (optional)
• 1 cup shredded Four Cheese (Kraft)
• 1/2 cup shredded Mozzarella Cheese

    Directions

• Bring a large pot of water to boil. Add the Cellentani and cook for about 8-10 minutes or as per instructions on the pasta package. Drain the pasta in a colander and sprinkle some cold water and let drain. This prevents the pasta from sticking to each other.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add finely chopped garlic and sliced onions and cook until the onions turn slightly golden. Add the spicy italian seasoning and red chili flakes and stir well.
• Add red bell pepper and stir for 2-3 minutes. 
• Add chopped spinach and let cook for a few more minutes.
• Add the steamed Broccoli.
• Add shredded four cheese and mozzarella cheese and mix well. 
• Reduce the heat and cover for 2 minutes so that the cheese melts.
• Serve hot with Italian Shrimp, Corn and Vegetables.

PS - Spicy Italian Seasoning contains salt, so there is no need to add salt, but you may add a little if desired.

CORN

     Ingredients

• 2 cups Shelled Corn, frozen
• 1 tbsp Butter
• 1 tsp Pepper
• Salt to taste

     Directions

• In a microwave safe glass bowl, combine corn, 3/4 cup water, salt and pepper and cook for 6 minutes. 
• Add butter, mix well and cook for another 2 minutes.
• The corn is ready to be served. 

STIR FRY VEGETABLES WITH SPICY SPAGHETTI SEASONING 

Salome..this one is for you....

       Ingredients

• 1 medium Onion, cut into squares
• 1/2 cup Red Bell Pepper, diced 
• 1 cup Zucchini, diced
• 1 cup Broccoli florets, steamed
• 2 cloves Garlic, finely chopped
• 2 tsp, Spicy Spaghetti Seasoning 
• 1 tsp fresh Basil, chopped
• 1/4 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

      Directions

• Heat olive oil in a saucepan.
• Add garlic and onions and stir for a couple of minutes. 
• Add red bell pepper, zucchini and broccoli and mix well. 
• Add the spicy spaghetti seasoning an basil. Mix well and cook for a couple more minutes.
• Add the shredded mozzarella cheese and mix well. Cook until the cheese melts. 
• Serve hot with Riya's Italian  Shrimp and Pasta

With this I take your leave...See you again soon with some simple mouth-watering recipes.

Phir Milenge .......