Superfoods Month: Shrimp Linguini with Thai Peanut Sauce

shrimp linguini with Thai peanut sauce

The superfoods featured in this dish are whole wheat pasta, anchovies, and peanut butter.  Whole wheat pasta is considered a superfood because it is rich in dietary fiber, protein, manganese, and selenium.  Compared to regular white pasta, whole wheat has 50 less calories per cup and, overall, has higher nutritional values.  Anchovies (and sardines) provide a high quality protein source with good levels of many vitamins (niacin and riboflavin) and minerals (calcium and iron).  Peanut butter contains high proportions of monounsaturated fats and has lots of antioxidants which both promote good heart health.

Serves: 4-5

Prep Time: 20-30 min

Cook Time: 1 hr

Ingredients:

1 lb whole-wheat linguini pasta

1 lb shrimp

1 red pepper, coarsely chopped

1 green pepper, coarsely chopped

1 bunch scallions, finely chopped (save some for garnish)

1 bunch basil

1 can anchovies

1/2 cup natural peanut butter (unsweetened)

4 Tbsp olive oil

2-3 cloves garlic

1 large shallot or onion

1-2 Tbsp chili sauce

1-2 Tbsp soy sauce

~1/4 water

Directions:

• cook pasta, set aside and keep warm
• saute garlic and shallots in half of the olive oil until soft 
• add in red and green peppers and cook on low heat
• combine remaining olive oil and anchovies and mash until a rough paste forms
• add in peanut butter, chili sauce, soy sauce, water and mix until well blended
• add in additional water for desired consistency and other ingredients for desired taste
• add shrimp, scallions, and basil to saute, cover, and cook on low to medium heat for 20 minutes or until shrimp is done
• serve by combining the pasta, vegetables/shrimp, and sauce or by placing the vegetables and shrimp on top of the pasta and adding sauce last
• top with scallions and red pepper flakes

Potential Alternatives:

• many other vegetables would complement this dish (e.g. broccoli, bean spouts, greens)
• use cilantro instead of basil
• try it with almond butter or tahini instead of peanut butter
• make it vegetarian by replacing tofu with shrimp and removing anchovies