Okay – what is hemp? On the box “One of nature’s superfoods, hemp is a heart-healthy, whole plant protein, with the perfect balance of Omega 3 to 6 and all 20 amino acids, including the 9 that your body doesn’t produce on its own. Hemp is also packed with magnesium, fiber, iron, phosphorus, zinc and is a rich source of easily digestible fiber. “
Rigatoni or “Scorzasellan” meaning celery ribs with its hard ridges and coarse texture, is common in the cuisines of Southern and Central Italy, especially at the Sunday family table. It is a good match from sauteed vegetables to hearty meat sauces. It is made with organic hemp and organic durum semolina and is also vegan and non-GMO.
Not the prettiest color but I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it!
I recently discovered Sporkful’s Sfoglini pasta which was originally made in Brooklyn, New York (now in the Hudson Valley of Coxsackle, NY). This artisan food company was founded in 2012 and is operated by Steve Gonzalez (chef) and Scott Ketchum (creative director) who have a passion for pasta.
In a recent article I was drawn to the unusual shapes of pasta they were making such as Vesuvio and Quattrotini. What fun and I just had to try this pasta. I bought about 4 different kinds, some through their site and some from a local grocery store. My first experience was this hemp pasta – I still try to get more healthy pasta such as whole grain into my diet – it’s a process!
A great wholesome meal full of healthy veggies and hemp pasta!
The chili caper sauce made all the difference in how delicious this was, for me anyways…
Hemp Rigatoni with Roasted Fennel & Cauliflower, Adapted
I did make a few changes such as roasting in the oven instead of pan roasting but if you want to see their original recipe go here https://www.sfoglini.com/pages/hemp-rigatoni-with-pan-roasted-fennel-cauliflower.
- 8 oz. Sfoglini Hemp Rigatoni
- 1 small head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 head fennel, stalks and bottom removed, cut into pieces
- EVOO (2-4 tbsp.)
- 2 tbsp. capers, chopped roughly
- 1 lemon, zest and juice of 1/2 of it (more to taste)
- 1 fresh red chili, fresno or holland – can substitute jalapeno, preferably red – (I used a red sweet pepper and added red pepper flakes to get the heat)
- salt and pepper to taste
Zest the lemon and juice half of it. Combine the zest and juice with the capers, chili pepper and EVOO. Instead of 2 tbsp. oil I probably doubled it as I drizzled the cauliflower and fennel with this sauce before roasting.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Cut the cauliflower into florets and the fennel into small pieces after removing the core. Toss with a little sauce and salt and pepper before roasting 15 minutes, turning, and roasting another 15 minutes or until done.
Fill a large saucepan with water and bring to a boil.When the water is boiling, salt it generously and add the pasta. Cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta and place in a large bowl. Add the vegetables, drizzle with the chili caper sauce and toss.
Recipe by cookingwithauntjuju.com
I ended up using a sweet red pepper and adding red pepper flakes. Fresno, Holland, or a red jalapeno were not available. I wanted some color in the dish.
Healthy, colorful full of veggies and a wonderful chili caper sauce…
Loved the hemp pasta which was served with the perfect sauce…
If you’re looking to use healthier pasta please give this recipe a try…
Yum. I’d give it a whirl. 💫
I’ve been trying to eat more whole grain pasta and brown rice, etc. I believe it all depends on how you cook it and the rest of the ingredients. In this case it was the chili caper sauce which I loved 🙂
That’s exactly what pulled me in. 🍃🌶️
I’ve used hemp hearts in salads and bakes, but had no idea they also make pasta from hemp. I like all the ingredients in this recipe. I’ll definitely keep it in mind and give it a try.
I sure did enjoy this pasta but only maybe with this sauce. I think it depends on all the ingredients in a recipe and how they go together.- the chili caper sauce was perfect. Funny, I was mainly interested in the unusual shapes they make and not the flavors – they have other pastas such as tumeric and tomato, I believe. It sure is healthy 🙂
At first glance I thought this pasta must have artichokes in it, but that must be the fennel. I have never used a head of fennel, but I have used fennel seeds in spaghetti sauce and really enjoyed the flavor. This pasta looks super healthy — I will have to give it a try!
Artichokes might be a good substitute for the fennel. The seeds come from the herb fennel and there is the plant fennel with a large bulb which has similar anise-flavor. Super healthy as my intro states – I’m not usually into pasta other than white (I keep trying) but I really did enjoy this hemp pasta. Hope you do try it 🙂