What's For Dinner?

Thursdays are pazar days.

The pazar is the bazaar. And every Thursday it happens right up the street, about a 10-15 minute walk straight up this ginormous hill. But I figure that the hill is good exercise. The produce is better than at the store. And I get to practice my Turkish. So I usually go.

Yesterday was an exceptional day. I got all sorts of goodies! I always buy zucchini, grapes, and bananas. Yesterday I bought pumpkin to roast for Lane (and to freeze for pies and bread!). But among the best finds: broccoli (it's been difficult to find lately) and green beans (they've been a bit on the spendy side but were a good deal yesterday).

So, today when I was trying to decide what to make for dinner, this popped into my mind:


Pasta Primavera

This is one of the few things that I make so often that I no longer need the recipe. I know exactly what I like in it. I know what I need for it and what I can do without. I know how to up the portions of one vegetable if I don't have another.

It's one of our favorites.

Today I just happened to have all four vegetables that I like to put in it. I had just the right amount of fresh Parmesan left. I never add the wine anymore, so it didn't matter that I didn't have any. I had small bits of two different pastas that I wanted to use up. Lane, once again, entertained herself with a piece of toast and a carrot, and I tossed in a fresh green bean for kicks. I cooked. Shannon studied. Lane played. And dinner. was. delicious.

If you like pasta, I'd recommend giving this dish a try. Don't skimp on the Parmesan: use the fresh stuff...you won't regret it. You can sub out any veggies for any other ones: if you don't like broccoli, leave it out and add more squash. Actually, add some yellow squash for me anyways...we can't get that over here. If you like cauliflower, add some. Actually, now that I think about it, I'm not sure exactly which veggies my recipe says to use. You can also add chicken if you want (although it's fantastic without it). Just cut or slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and cook it in the olive oil first.

So, there you go. One of my favorite dishes. It's easy (and only time-consuming because of chopping veggies and shredding cheese). It's healthy. And it's yummy. The next time you're trying to figure out what to do for dinner...make this. And let me know what you think.