Whole-Wheat Pasta with Fennel, Peas and Arugula
Adapted from a recipe submission from the AICR

Whole-Wheat Pasta with Fennel, Peas and Arugula

Ingredients

1 fennel bulb, about 1¼ lbs.
8 ounces whole-wheat or farro spaghetti
2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1/2 large red onion, cut into 1/2inch crescents
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
1 cup vegetable broth
1 cup fresh or frozen baby green peas
1½ cups arugula, cut crosswise in 3/4inch strips
2 tsp. fresh lemon juice
Salt and ground black pepper
8 tsp. grated pecorino cheese or nutritional yeast, to keep it vegan
4 large basil leaves

How we make it

1. Cut top off fennel, eliminating fronds and stalks, and slice off bottom. Remove toughest one or two outer layers. Cut remaining bulb crosswise into thin slices. Remove hard, round core from each slice, then cut slice crosswise to make long strips. Set fennel aside.

2. In large pot of boiling water, cook pasta according to package directions and drain in colander.

3. While pasta cooks, heat oil in medium skillet with cover, over medium-high heat. Add onions and cook 2 minutes, stirring often. Add garlic and cook until onions are just translucent, about 2 minutes. Mix in fennel and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 minutes.

Pour in broth, cover, and cook vegetables for 2 minutes to start tenderizing them. Uncover, add green peas, and cook until fennel is crisp-tender, about 2 minutes. Mix in arugula until bright green and wilted, about 1 minute. Mix in lemon juice. Off heat, season vegetables to taste with salt and generous amounts of pepper.

4. Divide pasta among 4 wide, shallow bowls or deep plates. Spoon one-fourth of topping over each serving, including liquid from pan. Sprinkle 2 teaspoons cheese over each serving. Stack basil leaves, roll them lengthwise into a thin cigar, then cut roll crosswise, using a sharp knife to make thin strips. Sprinkle basil over pasta and serve immediately.

Makes 4 servings.

Per serving: 350 calories, 10 g total fat (2 g saturated fat), 58 g carbohydrate, 14 g protein, 13 g dietary fiber, 290 mg sodium.