Every so often a person can miss pasta. Choosing a low carb lifestyle doesn’t allow pasta bingeing. However, have you considered shiratake mushroom pasta? Plant based, vegan, keto and paleo friendly.
Consider trying an alternative called “pasta zero” or miracle noodle including spaghetti, angel hair, and fettuccine options. Found in the refrigerated produce section at your grocery store (often next to tofu).
Upside: it tastes and has texture like pasta and even chews like pasta. Extremely low carbs (made from mushrooms) and easy to flavor well with cheese or sauce or clear soup like miso or ramen stock. Easy to prepare. Keep reading for my take on easy prep when I use these noodles
Downside: found in refrigerated produce section (again, mushroom) so limited shelf life. It’s not inexpensive if you compare it to regular semolina pasta. Has a bit of an earthy smell to it (hey, mushrooms again) but can be easily rinsed away. Contains konjac flour.
I have found these noodles at my local grocery stores, Walmart, Target, and Publix
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Prep hack: (1) Rinse using a colander and let drip dry, leaving some moisture. Transfer to a microwave safe bowl and add one tablespoon of butter. Add 1/4 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, salt pepper and parsley. Microwave for 60 seconds, stir,microwave for 30 seconds, then enjoy!
Prep hack: (2) include almond oil instead of butter, any cheese you prefer, a few tablespoons of your favorite sauce, chalula for a spicy kick, or simple like “aglio i olio” flavor.
Prep hack: (3) my family often chooses for ramen for take-out. I order tonkatsu, remove their ramen and use the liquid broth for my rinsed and warmed mushroom noodles. I get all the flavor and none of those carbs. I have ordered just the tonkatsu without the ramen, but that always seems to require an explanation.
Prep hack: (4) Remember that without some type of oil or butter, the noodles will stick together and become a blob when dry. I use the noodle like I would regular pasta, building flavors. After rinsing to drip dry, I pour on 1 cup of super hot vegetable broth (or chicken broth) and let that flavor soak in. It adds a richness to the noodles. These noodles do not need to be boiled like regular noodles. They only need to be warmed to eat.
Remember to consider the konjac flour element. It is known to expand in the stomach and some people are sensitive to that ingredient. Always read the contents when trying new foods.
Comments and questions are welcome.
Until next time! Enjoy!
New Keto Life 