Vegetarian Meals

Although I do enjoy a nice steak or a pound of shrimp for myself (yes, a full pound), I do enjoy nixing the meat every once in awhile!  We actually have two vegetarian dishes on this week's dinner list!  One is a McDowell family favorite....Spaghetti w/Mozzarella, Basil, Tomatoes and Olives.  The other is a new one from Martha that I can't wait to try out tomorrow....Spicy Bean and Cheese Soft Tacos.  We have all ingredients for the tacos from previous dinners this week or last week - so my excitement level to create this new found recipe is out the roof! :)  I will plan to post the tacos next week, as long as they're as delicious as Martha makes them sound.  For now, here is a super easy vegetarian pasta that is great leftover the next day...and the next day....for lunch or dinner. 

Spaghetti with Mozzarella, Basil, Tomatoes and Olives

Ingredients: 

2 lbs tomatoes, chopped

3/4 lb fresh mozzarella, cut into 1/4-inch cubes

1 1/4 c. fresh basil

1/2 c. halved and pitted black olives

4 tsp balsamic vinegar

1 1/4 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 lb spaghetti

1/2 c. olive oil

3 garlic cloves, minced

In a large bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, mozzarella, olives, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper.

In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook spaghetti until al dente.  Drain, rinse under cold water and drain again.  Add to the tomato mixture and toss.

Heat the oil in a small frying pan over moderately low heat.  Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.  Pour the oil over the pasta and toss again.  

Variations:  Add some drained capers, chopped red onion, or grated Parmesan to the pasta.  **In addition, feel free to switch up the pasta!  I think I will plan to next time around. 

ENJOY!

Do you have any favorite vegetarian dishes?