Vegetarian Quick Pasta Sauce

Ingredients and Weight:

• 250 grams of dried pasta
• 200 grams of fresh mushrooms (such as cremini or shiitake), sliced
• 1 cup of chopped fresh tomatoes
• 1/2 cup of chopped olives (optional)
• 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of fresh oregano leaves, chopped
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder or fresh garlic cloves, crushed
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation Time:

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

Difficulty Level:

Level 2 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add salt. Add pasta and cook until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the mushroom slices and cook until they release their liquid and begin to brown, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the chopped tomatoes and continue cooking for another 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the oregano and garlic powder/crushed garlic cloves. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to combine. If desired, add the olives during the last minute of cooking.
6. Serve immediately in warmed bowls.

Nutritional Information: (Please note that the exact nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

• Calories: Approx. 450 per serving (based on a small amount of added oil and seasoning)
• Carbohydrates: From the pasta
• Fat: From olive oil
• Protein: From pasta, mushrooms, and tomatoes

Dish Characteristics:

• Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for a vegetarian meal or a weeknight dinner.
• The combination of mushrooms, tomatoes, and oregano creates a rich and flavorful sauce that pairs well with pasta.
• Can be customized by adding different types of olives or other vegetables as desired.

User Comments:

• "This sauce was so delicious! It was easy to make and my family loved it."
• "I added some chopped spinach to the sauce for extra nutrition and it was still fantastic."
• "The flavors in this dish were perfect. I will definitely make this again."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Use fresh ingredients for best results. If using dried mushrooms, soak them in water for about 30 minutes before slicing.
• Adjust the seasoning according to taste. Start with smaller amounts of salt and pepper, and add more if needed.
• If desired, you can use whole wheat pasta for added nutrition and a more hearty texture.