Isn’t Summer awesome? Even though it hasn’t been very sunny in Vancouver lately (boooo!), I’ve been trying to make the most of it by jumping outside to soak up the sun when it actually decides to come out, and taking advantage of the long days for relaxing chats and crazy dancing over drinks with friends. Ooh! And riding my bike, how could I forget! Of course, I have also been in the kitchen whipping up cookies, pizza, plenty of salads, and trying to perfect a granola recipe.

Tonight I decided to eat something that I rarely eat- pasta! I was inspired by Heidi of 101 Cookbooks…but if you know me, you know that I see the  word miso and I’m sold! I was really curious as to what the miso would taste like when blended with almonds. It was light and creamy with a touch of garlic flavour and I think this could be a very versatile sauce for using on different vegetables and pastas.

Walnut-Miso Spaghetti (adapted from 101 cookbooks)

• 8 oz whole wheat spaghetti
• 1 head of broccoli, chopped in florets
• 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup of walnuts, toasted
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, peeled
• 2 tablespoons white miso
• 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
• 1 tsp honey
• 1/8 tsp red chili flakes
• pinch of salt
• 1/4 cup + warm water
• drizzle of lemon juice
• sesame seeds for garnish
• fresh chives for garnish
• walnuts, chopped for garnish

For the sauce:

In a food processor, combine the toasted walnuts, olive oil, miso paste, vinegar, lemon juice, chili flakes, garlic, honey and salt. Blend until smooth. Add water little by little until the consistency of heavy cream is achieved.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta as directed, until al dente.

Steam or boil the broccoli until it can just be pierced easily by a knife.

Drain pasta and toss with broccoli and raw red pepper, add sauce as needed, and top with walnuts, chives, and sesame seeds.

Enjoy!

P.S. Thursday is Canada Day! Take a look back at the cupcakes I made to celebrate last year if you need some cute decorating ideas.