Veggies Can Party

Healthy Hump Day Recipe

Whenever we throw a party, there is always a vegetarian option. From my brother and roommate who are vegetarians to anyone who wants a vegetarian side, it is something that no gathering should be without. Sure, a simple spaghetti with marinara sauce would suffice, but I like getting creative and using different kinds of pasta with different kinds of sauce and different additives. It keeps things interesting for those vegetarians, and they always appreciate the extra effort made to make them feel welcomed. This pasta salad incorporates tomato, green pepper, onion, and... wait for it... the Guest of honor... an eggplant! If you've never tried eggplant before, this is a great recipe to try it in since there are a lot of other flavors in it. Eggplants are very low in calories, rich in antioxidants and fiber, and aid in healthy blood flow. The eggplant and onion are sauted in this dish while the tomatoes and green pepper are kept fresh to give a nice texture to this pasta salad. When vegetables are sauteed, their flavors really come to life which means you won't need as much sauce for flavoring. All of the vegetable flavors in this dish really come together as if they are having their own party in your mouth. This deliciously nutritious dish is so quick and easy to throw together that you'll have it ready in no time. Serve it warm or cold!

Veggie Party Pasta
Ingredients
-1 lb whole wheat rotini pasta
-2 cloves garlic
-1 vidalia onion
-1 eggplant
-2 roma tomatoes
-1 green bell pepper
-1/2 cup marina sauce
-1/4 cup Italian dressing
-3 tbsp basil
-1 tsp salt
-1 tsp pepper

Directions
1. Bring pot of water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 10min.
2. Over medium-low heat, saute garlic until lightly browned.
3. Chop veggies into small bite-sized pieces. Add onion and eggplant to saute pan. Cook for 8min or until veggies are tender.
4. Drain pasta and add layer veggies, sauces, and spices. Stir all ingredients until fully incorporated.