Penne Pasta with Beetroot Sauce

Penne pasta with beetroot sauce offers a delightful fusion of vibrant colors and flavors, making it an enticing dish for both adults and kids. The natural sweetness of the beetroot sauce, combined with the playful shape of penne pasta, transforms mealtime into a visually appealing and delicious experience that even the pickiest eaters may find irresistible.

Ingredients for Penne Pasta with Beetroot Sauce

• 3 medium-sized beetroot
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 3 cloves of garlic
• 3 small sprigs of fresh thyme
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable stock
• 1/4 cup cream or milk
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 200 grams penne pasta
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon roasted poppy seeds or sesame
• A few fresh mint leaves for decoration

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius.
2. Peel and cut the beetroot into small pieces, then place them in an oven tray.
3. Drizzle with a tablespoon of olive oil, add chopped thyme, salt, and pepper to the beetroot.
4. Roast in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes. Check with a fork after 30 minutes; if it goes in easily, the beetroots are ready.
5. Let the beetroots cool slightly, then blend them with garlic, balsamic vinegar, half of Parmesan cheese, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil until smooth.
6. Pour the pureed beetroot into a pot, add chicken broth and cream, and bring to a boil on medium heat.
7. Add the remaining cheese and salt to the sauce. Reduce the heat until it thickens.
8. Taste the sauce and, if desired, add sugar for a sweet taste.
9. Cook penne pasta in boiling water for 10-15 minutes until al dente. Rinse and drain.
10. Transfer the pasta to a large frying pan, pour roasted sesame and beetroot sauce, and mix well.
11. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the colorful Penne Pasta with Beetroot Sauce in a dish, decorated with mint leaves, toasted sesame, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Enjoy Penne Pasta with Beetroot Sauce!

Note: “Al dente” refers to the desired firmness when cooking pasta, ensuring it is slightly hard when bitten.

Learn also how to cook Cauliflower Alfredo Pasta.

nutritional properties of Beetroot

beetroot is a nutritious vegetable with various health benefits. Here are the approximate nutritional properties for 100 grams of raw beetroot:

• Calories: 43 kcal
• Protein: 1.6g
• Carbohydrates: 9.6g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2.8g
  • Sugars: 6.8g
• Fat: 0.2g
• Vitamins and minerals:
  • Vitamin C: 4.9mg
  • Folate (B9): 80μg
  • Iron: 0.8mg
  • Magnesium: 23mg
  • Potassium: 325mg

Beetroot is rich in antioxidants, particularly betalains, which give it the deep red color. It’s low in calories, a good source of fiber, and provides essential vitamins and minerals. Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors like size, variety, and cooking methods.