If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy vegetarian alternative to traditional pasta, look no further than hearts of palm noodles. If you love pasta and have heard about hearts of palm noodles, let me tell you they are a great choice. Wondering how to cook hearts of palm noodles? Read ahead and find out!
What are the hearts of palm noodles?
Hearts of palm noodles, also called palm heart noodles, are a type of pasta made from the inner core of a palm tree. The noodles are white and have a slightly chewy texture. Palm hearts are a healthy alternative to other types of pasta because they are low in calories and fat. Palm hearts contain no gluten, so they are great for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
They are often used in soups and salads. There are a few different types of noodles made from the hearts of palm, all of which offer unique taste and texture. One popular variety, known as yakisoba, originates from Japan. This type of noodle is made by cooking the hearts of palm over an open flame until they’re slightly charred. The result is a crispy, chewy noodle with a slightly smoky flavor.
Another variety of heart of palm noodles is commonly found in Thai cuisine. These noodles are typically stir-fried with vegetables and various spices to create a flavorful dish. The chewiness of the noodles pairs well with the crispness of the vegetables, making for a delicious and healthy meal.
Finally, there is also an Italian-style heart of palm noodles that are popular in many vegan and vegetarian dishes.
Why Should You Cook Hearts of Palm Noodles?
There are many benefits to cooking with hearts of palm noodles.
- They are a healthier alternative to traditional pasta noodles. Hearts of palm noodles have a lower glycemic index, which means they won’t cause your blood sugar to spike as much as other types of pasta.
- They are gluten-free and high in fiber, which is important for people with dietary restrictions or allergies.
- They are also a good source of several nutrients and vitamins A and C.
Tips to Remember
Here are a few tips to remember while cooking this tasty dish:
- Don’t overcook the noodles! They should be al dente or slightly firm to the bite.
- Be sure to use fresh hearts of palm. Canned hearts of palm will not taste as good in this dish.
- Use good quality olive oil. It will make a difference in the flavor of the dish.
Serving Ideas
- Alfredo sauce: If you’re looking for a new way to enjoy Alfredo sauce, try pairing it with hearts of palm noodles. Hearts of palm’s delicate flavor is the perfect canvas for Alfredo sauce.
- Pesto sauce: Hearts of palm noodles goes very well with pesto sauce because they have a slightly firm texture that can hold up to the rich sauce. The noodles also have a mild flavor that allows the pesto sauce to shine. Pesto sauce is a great option for those who are looking for a quick and easy meal.
- Red sauce with meat: If you’re in the mood for something hearty and filling but also want to keep things light, then this dish is for you. Red sauce with meat goes great with hearts of palm noodles – it’s a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
- Lemon caper sauce: Lemon caper sauce is a zesty, flavorful sauce that can really liven up a dish. It’s perfect for pasta or fish, and it goes especially well with hearts of palm noodles. If you’re looking for a light and healthy pasta dish, this is it. The lemon caper sauce is full of flavor but not too heavy, and the heart of palm noodles adds just the right amount of chewiness.
- Spinach cream sauce: Spinach cream sauce goes well with hearts of palm noodles because the sauce is rich and creamy, and the noodles have a mild flavor that pairs well with the sauce.
How to store Hearts of Palm Noodles
Here’s how to store them so they’ll stay fresh and delicious:
- Store hearts of palm noodles in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep for up to a week this way.
- If you’re not going to eat them within a week, you can freeze them. Just be sure to thaw them before cooking.
- To cook, simply boil the hearts of palm noodles in water for about 3 minutes. Then drain and add your favorite sauce or toppings.
How to Cook Hearts of Palm Noodles
- Preparation time: 5 minutes
- Cooking time: 6 minutes
- Total time: 11 minutes
- Servings: 3 – 4
Ingredients
- 3 cups hearts of palm pasta noodles
- 2 tbsp. olive oil, divided
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 5 sun-dried tomatoes, diced
- 3 tbsp. fresh basil, chopped
- ¼ tsp. red pepper flakes,
- 1 tbsp. parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- Pinch of black pepper
- Pine nuts
Instructions
- Transfer the noodles to the colander, rinse under cold water, drain and set aside.
- In a frying pan over medium heat, pour 1 tbsp of oil. Once the oil is hot, add garlic and sauté for 3 minutes while stirring continuously.
- Then add the drained noodles to the pan, and stir to cook for 3 minutes or until completely warm.
- Once done, remove the pan from the heat, and add the remaining olive oil and the diced tomatoes. Toss gently to make an even coating. Finally, add the spices and serve.
How to Cook Hearts of Palm Noodles
Ingredients
- 3 cups hearts of palm pasta noodles
- 2 tbsp. olive oil divided
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 5 sun-dried tomatoes diced
- 3 tbsp. fresh basil chopped
- ¼ tsp. red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp. parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- Pinch of black pepper
- Pine nuts
Instructions
- Transfer the noodles to the colander, rinse under cold water, drain and set aside.
- In a frying pan over medium heat, pour 1 tbsp of oil. Once the oil is hot, add garlic and sauté for 3 minutes while stirring continuously.
- Then add the drained noodles to the pan, and stir to cook for 3 minutes or until completely warm.
- Once done, remove the pan from the heat, and add the remaining olive oil and the diced tomatoes. Toss gently to make an even coating. Finally, add the spices and serve.