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thehungryhungryhiker

Summer Pasta

A summer produce packed pasta sauce recipe created in honor of the wonderful human who encouraged me endlessly to start this blog!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 onion, white or yellow diced
  • 1 carrot large, shredded
  • 1 red or green pepper diced
  • 1 zucchini shredded and pressed to remove excess water
  • 1 yellow squash shredded
  • 3 cups kale torn
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • pinch sea salt to taste
  • pinch fresh ground black pepper to taste
  • ½ tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 36-48 ounces marinara sauce check labels for Whole30
  • fresh basil for garnish

Method
 

  1. Place a large saucepan (I used 6 quart) over medium heat and add the olive or avocado oil. When hot, add the garlic, onion, carrot, and pepper. Stir occasionally for 5-7 minutes until onions begin to turn translucent and carrots begin to soften.
  2. Add in the ground beef. Break into small pieces and brown, cooking until no pink remains.
  3. Add zucchini and yellow squash. Stir to combine and cook for 5-7 more minutes, until squashes begin to soften.
  4. Add sea salt and pepper to taste, Italian seasoning, and marinara sauce. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil over high heat for 1-2 minutes. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 15 minutes. Add torn kale and stir. Simmer until kale starts to wilt, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and serve over noodles of choice. Zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash are great Whole30 options. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Notes

I am obsessed with Rao's jarred sauces, so that is what I chose to use when making this recipe. Monte Bene is another good jarred Whole30 option. Always be sure to check your labels! If you prefer to not use a jarred sauce, you can make this recipe using equal parts diced tomatoes (add in both the tomatoes and the juices) and tomato sauce. If you do not use a jarred sauce, increase the Italian seasoning to a full tablespoon.