Welcome to the delicious world of the So Good Recipes Book, your ultimate guide to creating mouthwatering meals that are both simple and satisfying. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned home chef, this collection of recipes offers something special for everyone.
From hearty dinners to light snacks, every recipe has been thoughtfully crafted to bring out the best flavors using accessible ingredients. The book celebrates wholesome cooking and encourages creativity, making it easy to prepare meals that your family and friends will love.
In this post, we’ll explore one of the standout recipes from the book, giving you a detailed walkthrough, helpful tips, and some tasty variations. Along the way, you’ll find inspiration to try other fantastic recipes from our vegan and vegetarian collection, such as the Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide and the Vegan Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food.
So, let’s dive in and start cooking something truly so good!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe from the So Good Recipes Book is a perfect blend of ease and flavor, ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend meals. It features fresh, wholesome ingredients that come together in a way that’s both comforting and exciting to the palate.
The recipe’s balance of textures and spices guarantees a satisfying experience with every bite.
Not only is it delicious, but it’s also highly adaptable. Whether you need a gluten-free option or want to add a little extra protein, this recipe makes it easy to customize.
Plus, it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and salads, making it a versatile choice for any dining occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of cooked quinoa or rice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- Juice of half a lemon
Equipment
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Bowl for mixing and serving
Instructions
- Prepare your base: If you haven’t already, cook your quinoa or rice according to package instructions. Set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in your skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Add garlic and vegetables: Stir in minced garlic, diced red bell pepper, and zucchini. Cook for another 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally until vegetables are tender.
- Spice it up: Sprinkle in ground cumin and smoked paprika. Stir well to evenly coat the vegetables with spices.
- Incorporate chickpeas: Add the chickpeas to the skillet and mix thoroughly. Cook for 3 more minutes to warm through and allow flavors to meld.
- Combine with quinoa/rice: Add the cooked quinoa or rice into the skillet. Stir everything together, ensuring the grains and vegetables are evenly distributed.
- Season and finish: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the mixture, and stir once more.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top before serving.
Tips & Variations
“For a protein boost, try adding some toasted nuts or seeds like pumpkin seeds or pine nuts. You can also swap chickpeas for black beans or lentils depending on your preference!”
To make this dish gluten-free, simply ensure your grain choice is certified gluten-free. Quinoa is an excellent naturally gluten-free alternative.
If you prefer a bit of heat, add a pinch of red chili flakes while sautéing the vegetables. For a creamier texture, stir in a dollop of vegan yogurt or tahini just before serving.
Looking for more inspiration? Check out our Vegan Recipes No Tofu: Delicious Plant-Based Meals for creative protein-packed dishes that complement this recipe perfectly.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 320 kcal |
Protein | 10 g |
Carbohydrates | 45 g |
Fiber | 8 g |
Fat | 7 g |
Sodium | 220 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This recipe shines on its own but also pairs wonderfully with fresh salads or light soups. For a refreshing side, try the Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas.
Its crisp greens and tangy dressing provide a perfect contrast to the warm, spiced grains.
You can also serve it alongside a bowl of Vegan Potato Corn Chowder for a cozy and filling meal on cooler days. For a lighter meal, enjoy it with steamed or roasted seasonal vegetables.
Conclusion
The So Good Recipes Book offers a treasure trove of wholesome, accessible recipes that bring joy and flavor to any kitchen. This particular dish exemplifies the book’s ethos: simple ingredients transformed into something truly special.
It’s a recipe that welcomes creativity and encourages you to experiment with your favorite vegetables and spices.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting a dinner, this recipe delivers on taste, nutrition, and ease. Don’t forget to explore more recipes from our collection to continue your journey of delicious, plant-based cooking.
And remember, great meals start with fresh ingredients and a little love—so get cooking and enjoy every bite!
📖 Recipe Card: Classic Spaghetti Carbonara
Description: A creamy and savory Italian pasta dish made with eggs, cheese, pancetta, and pepper. Quick to prepare and perfect for a comforting meal.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT25M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 4 oz pancetta, diced
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 cup pasta cooking water
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente.
- Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté pancetta until crispy.
- Add minced garlic to pancetta and cook for 1 minute.
- In a bowl, whisk eggs with Parmesan and black pepper.
- Drain pasta, reserving some cooking water.
- Combine hot pasta with pancetta and remove from heat.
- Quickly mix in egg and cheese mixture, stirring to create a creamy sauce.
- Add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and pepper.
Nutrition: Calories: 520 kcal | Protein: 25 g | Fat: 22 g | Carbs: 55 g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Classic Spaghetti Carbonara”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A creamy and savory Italian pasta dish made with eggs, cheese, pancetta, and pepper. Quick to prepare and perfect for a comforting meal.”, “prepTime”: “PT10M”, “cookTime”: “PT15M”, “totalTime”: “PT25M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“12 oz spaghetti”, “4 oz pancetta, diced”, “2 large eggs”, “1 cup grated Parmesan cheese”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 tsp black pepper, freshly ground”, “1 tbsp olive oil”, “Salt to taste”, “1/4 cup pasta cooking water”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a pan and saut\u00e9 pancetta until crispy.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add minced garlic to pancetta and cook for 1 minute.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a bowl, whisk eggs with Parmesan and black pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Drain pasta, reserving some cooking water.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Combine hot pasta with pancetta and remove from heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Quickly mix in egg and cheese mixture, stirring to create a creamy sauce.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and pepper.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “520 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “25 g”, “fatContent”: “22 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “55 g”}}