Ziti with Red Pepper-Walnut Sauce

560 of 1,000 Cookbook Challenge

Ziti with Red Pepper-Walnut Sauce p.208

INGREDIENTS:

2 tbls olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic

1 tsp dried basil

½ tsp dried oregano

2 jarred roasted red pepper, chopped

1 14.5oz can crushed tomatoes

2 tbls fresh flat leaf parsley

½ tsp salt

¼ tsp pepper

1 lb ziti

½ cup light toasted walnut pieces, ground or finely minced

DIRECTIONS:

- I couldn't find toasted walnuts, so I toasted mine in a small skillet over medium for 5 or 7 minutes. I then let them cool before mincing.

- Heat the oil over medium heat in a large skillet.

- Add onion, and garlic.

- Cover and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

- Stir in the basil and oregano.

- Remove from heat and set aside.

- Place the bell peppers into a blender or food processor.

- Process until smooth.

- Add the onion and garlic mixture, tomatoes, parsley and salt and pepper.

- Process until well blended.

- Set aside.

- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until al dente, about 10 minutes.

- Drain well.

- Return to pot, and add sauce .

- Stir in walnuts.

- Serve.

PERSONAL THOUGHTS:

This is a wonderful pasta. It was technically my first time having ziti, because I was able to find it. Ziti is officially my pasta. The sauce has a slight kick to it, but was super flavorful.

~~~ #LouisianaVegan