Quick ‘n’ Delicious

By Eric (Discover English Teacher)

As this seemingly endless lockdown inches towards its mythical finish, it can become a bit of a strain to do anything.  Motivation falls with our spirits.  But we’ve got to keep going.

Sometimes, just doing little things can make us feel better about it all.  And of course, eating is important too.  So today I thought I’d share a really simple and easy recipe that takes almost no effort but tastes upliftingly yummy.  I cook this whenever I can’t really be bothered to cook.

INGREDIENTS

(any amounts are variable – put as much or as little as you feel)

1 or 2 tablespoons of olive oil

2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped

Small handful of pine nuts (optional)

1 or 2 anchovy fillets from a jar (optional)

1 or 2 rashers of bacon, roughly chopped

1 or 2 teaspoons of paprika

Big handful of string beans (about 250-300 gms) chopped

Handful of fresh parsley, finely chopped

250 gms of pasta, prepared according to packet

Grated parmesan, salt and pepper to serve

METHOD

Heat the olive oil in a large fry pan.  Add the garlic.  Add the pine nuts and anchovy fillets (if using – they do add nice flavours).  Fry for a few minutes.  Add the bacon and continue to fry until the bacon is cooked.  Stir in the paprika and the string beans.  Reduce to minimum heat and continue to cook.  Meanwhile, prepare your favourite pasta as per the packet instructions.

Once the pasta is cooked, drain.  Add the beans and bacon to the pasta along with the parsley.  Mix it all together well and serve with grated parmesan.

Super easy, very yummy.