Oats Pasta with toasted Almonds.. Kids' fav

Oats in Pasta ?? Doesn’t that sound odd to you  ?? Well, it did to me when I read the recipe on Priya's  Blog. This week Blog hop called for visit to her blog BON APPETT, and it was truly an amazing journey for me. Though I bookmarked some of her recipes I loved most like Baked Samosa, and Paneer Cigar Rolls… This title just captured my senses the moment I saw it. I really wanted to  try it then and there and finally I did last weekend just before my Dance class and got myself overstuffed with the Breakfast. Sadly, it did reflect in my class and I got a terrible stomach crunch.. How dumb of me to get my stomach full just before a dance class… I know that ya.. But just couldn’t resist the yummy and favourite Breakfast of mine and just to add up, a very healthy one indeed.

We already know a lot about the health benefits of Oats, so I wont go there again. But the combination of Whole Wheat Pasta ( I have forgotten what Pasta made of APF tastes like now ), Oats, Home Made Red Pesto, Milk, Whole wheat flour sauce ( instead of APF ) and a little Olive Oil.. Now we are talking of some real goodness here, aren’t we ?? The original recipe called for some cheese which I have not added and I just threw in some Red Pesto in it since S doesn’t like Bland colourless Pasta ( He never lets me feel, I don’t have a kid yet ). The recipe invented with all the experiments and fusion was amazingly delicious and S didn’t even realise it has Oats in it. What ?? Is your hubby the same ??? Try a break with this pasta , wont regret I can assure :)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled Oats
• 1 cup uncooked Whole wheat Pasta
• 1 tbsp Whole wheat flour
• 2 tbsp Red Pesto
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tsp Olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 10-12 Almonds, toasted 
• 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
• Salt according to taste
• 1 tsp Black pepper
• Dried Herbs and spices according to choice (I used dried Parsley, Oregano and a hint of Basil)

Preparations:

• Cook the Pasta according to the packet instructions and keep aside.
• Make White Sauce by roasting Whole wheat flour in 1 tbsp Olive Oil. When it releases aroma, add milk and keep stirring for a minutes till it turns thick sauce. You may add a pinch of salt and black pepper here. Keep aside.

Method:

• Heat Olive Oil in the pan, fry minced garlic. When it turns slight brown, add onion and fry till caramelized.
• Add oats and fry for a minute or two on medium flame.
• Now add red pesto and mix everything well. Cook it covered for two minutes
• Pour in the white sauce and combine well. Add in the herbs and spices at this point and check seasoning. Turn off the flame.
• Add this sauce to the Pasta and toss gently. 
• Garnish with toasted almonds.. Your creamy Oats Pasta is ready :)

Notes:

I have used homemade Red Pesto, you could use store bought or even Green Pesto for a twist

You might need more milk, especially when required to be reheated.

I have not used any cheese in this recipe, still it was creamy in texture. You could drizzle some cheese on top to lure kids.

Goes for This Month's Blog Hop,