By: Jacqueline Gomes, RDN, MBA
Whole grains are foods that are made from whole wheat, brown rice, oats, whole cornmeal, barley, and other cereal grains. Unlike refined grains, whole grains contain the entire grain kernel and have many health benefits. The grain kernel contains the fiber, vitamins, and minerals that our bodies need to stay healthy.
The health benefits of whole grains are endless! Eating whole grains can help reduce your risk of diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and obesity. Be sure to look for the term “Whole Grain” on our Eat Well shelf tags in store.
Eat Well Tip: Replace refined products with whole grain foods. Some examples include whole-wheat pasta instead of white pasta, brown rice, quinoa and barley instead of white rice, whole grain bread products instead of white bread products such as English muffins, bagels and rolls.
For breakfast swap out low fiber cereals for a bowl of hearty oatmeal!
Whole Grain Spaghetti with Fresh Vegetables
Total prep: 29 minutes
Makes: 8 Servings
Ingredients:
- 1 box Barilla® Whole Grain Spaghetti
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, 1 cup white onion, chopped
- 2 cups zucchini, diced
- 2 cups yellow squash, diced
- 1 bunch asparagus, coarsely chopped
- 1 cup yellow bell pepper, julienne
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 10 leaves fresh basil, torn
Directions:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet.
- Using the side of a knife, gently press garlic and peel
- Add garlic to the skillet and sauté until slightly brown, about 1 minute.
- Add onion and sauté for 5 minutes, until translucent
- Add bell pepper, zucchini, yellow squash and asparagus and sauté until heated but not completely cooked.
- Add tomatoes, season with salt and pepper sauté for 2 additional minutes
- Remove garlic clove and discard
- Cook Whole Grain Spaghetti according to the package directions.
- Drain pasta and add to the skillet
- Toss with vegetables and add fresh basil before serving
Recipe Source: Barilla®