conuly

I definitely want more-more-more if possible! MOAR.

I should share a recipe of my own. I have two, neither of which is really a proper recipe and I think I shared at least one before:

1. Pasta with optional

I actually call this "pasta with vegetables" to differentiate from "pasta with $sauce" and "pasta with just cheese", but every specific item in this recipe is optional except the pasta part. Even that, I guess, but you'd have to call it something else.

Sundried tomatoes, preferably in oil
Pancetta (cubed) or anchovies
Garlic cloves, crushed or diced
Not-green bell peppers
Summer squash
Fresh basil or spinach
Grated parmesan or romano cheese, yes you can sub in nutritional yeast
Italian seasoning
Red pepper flakes
Salt
Butter and/or olive oil
Pasta such as rotini or fusili - this won't work very well with "strand" pasta like spaghetti

You'll notice there are no measurements. There don't have to be. Just guesstimate everything based on "how much of this do I have?" and "how much do I really want?"

Cook the pancetta or anchovies in oil for a bit until it smells good and, if using pancetta, the fat has started to release. If not using, just heat up some vegetable oil. Add the garlic cloves and stir over a low flame until they soften. (Note: Garlic likes to burn, especially if it's lonely in the skillet. LOW FLAME.) If using bell peppers, add them and start the water boiling for the pasta. Once the water boils, you can add the summer squash if using - though you may prefer to roast that and add it later so it doesn't release water into the rest of the stuff. Chop your leaves reasonably. Drain the pasta, add the leaves, seasoning, and butter or olive oil if using. Stir a bit so your basil/spinach leaves wilt. Add all the stuff from the skillet. Top with the cheese. I always want to stir the cheese in, but melted parmesan is gross so don't do that.

2. Eggs with leftover fried rice

Heat up a small skillet. Add oil. Add in your leftover fried rice and stir until it's heated through. Scramble some eggs in a bowl, pour on top of the fried rice, cook however you normally would - you can continue to scramble in the skillet or just let it set and flip when done.

You can also make this with leftover biriyani, leftover string hoppers, leftover mashed potatoes (add cheese and jarred jalapenos, trust me), and probably leftover lo mein. I haven't tried that one yet. It's the one way of eating leftover fried rice that I'm willing to do, and it really tastes good.

I did clean out the fridge and I think I finally answered the question of "Why does water pool under the veggie bins?" which is "The fridge is tilted". I'm going to need help to untilt it, though. Hm. I think it only needs a little bitty prop up under that one corner, but it's shifting it enough to shove a shim there that's the problem.

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