Italian ragus tend to be long-simmered dishes, but a French ragout is a quicker affair, a thick, cheesy stew. Tossed over pasta, this one is a true fusion, a halfway point between ragu and ragout.

Makes 2 servings, 2 cups each

ACTIVE TIME: 35 minutes

TOTAL TIME: 35 minutes

EASE OF PREPARATION: Easy

4 ounces whole-wheat spaghetti
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 small leek, white and pale green parts only, halved, washed and thinly sliced
1 small yellow summer squash, quartered lengthwise, then cut into 1/2-inch pieces
4 ounces sugar snap peas, halved crosswise (1 cup)
16 grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup vegetable broth
2 tablespoons minced fresh basil leaves
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
3/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until just tender, about
9 minutes or according to package directions.
2. Meanwhile, heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add leek and cook, stirring frequently, until softened, about 2 minutes. Add squash and peas; cook, stirring often, until crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Add tomatoes and broth and bring to a simmer, stirring often. Simmer until the tomatoes begin to soften, about
1 minute. Add basil and pepper; cook, stirring, until the tomatoes are juicy, 1 minute more. Remove from heat and stir in cheese.
3. Drain the pasta; add it to the ragout and toss well to combine.

NUTRITION INFORMATION: Per serving: 481 calories; 17 g fat (6 g sat, 8 g mono); 26 g cholesterol; 62 g carbohydrate; 24 g protein; 12 g fiber; 602 mg sodium; 675 mg potassium.
Nutrition bonus: Vitamin C (70% daily value), Vitamin A (60% dv), Calcium (45% dv), Folate & Potassium (20% dv).
3 Carbohydrate Servings
Exchanges: 3 starch, 3 vegetable, 1 1/2 medium-fat meat, 1 fat

perfecto

larry