Einkorn Pasta with a Vegetable and Sausage Ragout

Einkorn pasta is a new alternative to whole wheat and other gluten-free pastas on the market. I like its nuttiness, plus it adds has a walloping amount of protein to help keep your blood sugar steady. It's also gluten-free. Best part? It tastes good!

This is a recipe I developed last fall for The Daily Meal. I wish I had some to warm up tonight to serve with the fettuccine I made last weekend. Sadly, it was pureed into a rich and healthy tomato soup.

This healthy – and easy – pasta sauce pairs well with einkorn pasta. Feel free to vary the kinds of vegetables used in the sauce, depending on what is freshest or in season. 

4 links fresh sweet or spicy Italian sausage, casings removed (optional)

2 tablespoons of olive oil

1 small onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

1 zucchini, quartered lengthwise and cut into 1/3-inch pieces

1 head of broccoli and stem, cut in florets and chopped (optional)

Salt and pepper

10 cremini mushrooms, trimmed and quartered

26 ounces packaged strained Italian tomatoes, preferably Pomi 

26 ounces packaged chopped Italian tomatoes, preferably Pomi 

If you are using the sausage, heat a 10-inch sauté pan over medium-high heat. Cook the links until they are lightly golden, about 8 minutes. Set aside.

In a 6-quart saucepan, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for one minute. Then add the garlic and sauté, stirring often, until the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.

Add the chopped zucchini and broccoli, if using, to the onions and cook for 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.  Add the mushrooms to the pot and cook until they begin to give off some of their moisture. 

Pour in the tomatoes and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to medium and simmer for about 30 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the flavor has deepened. Season to taste.

Serves 4