Nutty-beefy-noodles! This healthy combo is super-satisfying and utterly delicious. It’s also makes a great vegetarian dish. When I tried the meatless version using imitation beef crumbles my meat-loving husband devoured a plateful without even suspecting the soy switcheroo and my vegetarian assistant was absolutely thrilled. Morningstar Farms Meal Starters Recipe Crumbles work great to when meaty tasting , but not the meat,  is what you crave.

Makes 6 servings

Ingredients

8 ounces spaghetti (a whole grain blend pasta like Barilla Plus works great)
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
1 carrot, peeled and shredded
1/4 cup peanut butter
2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
2 tablespoons ketchup or reduced-sugar ketchup
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon minced ginger
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 cup warm water
3/4 teaspoons cornstarch
1 pound very lean ground beef or 12-ounces beef flavored soy crumbles
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 green onions, chopped

1. In a large pot, cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and return to the pot. Mix in the bell peppers and carrot, cover, and set aside.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, ginger, and red pepper flakes until smooth. Whisk in the warm water and cornstarch.

3. In a very large sauté pan over medium-high heat, brown the beef and garlic. Cook for 5 minutes, until the beef is browned.

4. Pour the sauce into the beef and bring to a simmer. Stir in the pasta and vegetables and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, until the vegetables are crisp tender. Serve topped with the green onions.

Marlene Say’s:  Nutritionally speaking, the beef alternative is a tradeoff. It adds heart healthy soy and eliminates 35 calories per serving (3 grams of fat and 5 grams of protein), but adds 4 grams of carbohydrate and 220 grams of sodium.

Nutrition Information Per Serving: (1 1/2 cups)

Calories 350 : Carbohydrate 36g (Sugars 6g) : Total Fat 11g (Sat Fat 3.5 ) : Protein 27g :  Fiber 5g : Cholesterol 30 mg : Sodium 470mg

Food Exchanges: 2 Lean Meat, 2 Starch, 1 Vegetable, 1 Fat  : Carbohydrate Choices: 2 : Weight Watcher Point Comparison: 7 (6 with soy “beef crumbles”)