Pasta Strikes Back
Companies are producing noodles with less carbs
and more vitamins, but how do they taste?
From:
http://www.presstelegram.com/
By Alessandra Djurklou, Staff writer
Though the low-carb craze is waning, high-carb food manufacturers, such
as bakers and pasta makers, are still feeling the pinch in their profits.
Add to that the increased awareness of diet-induced diabetes and other
illnesses, and it's no surprise that "healthier' foods from these companies
are rolling into markets every day.
When even Italian pasta giant Barilla jumps on the bandwagon, however,
you know it's serious. That's why I decided to dedicate a Test Kitchen
column to these "healthier' pastas, though I still eat regular pasta with
abandon.
Along with a willing guinea pig, I tested four brands, including the aforementioned
Barilla's new product. "Barilla PLUS' is not technically a low-carb pasta,
though with more protein and fiber, it is clearly meant to attract that
set of consumers.
In fact, of the four brands I tested, only Dreamfields was directly aimed
at low-carb dieters. Ronzoni's "Healthy Harvest' line was aimed at high-fiber
lovers, while Anthony's offered enriched noodles as well as low-carb ones.
For the purposes of my test, I went with Anthony's enriched rainbow rotini.
For a control, I included a sample of Barilla's regular pasta.
To ensure that each sample wasn't overwhelmed by a strong sauce, I simply
tossed each with some extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper and Parmesan
cheese.
Interestingly, the winner was the Dreamfields low-carb brand. It was also
the most expensive, at $3.79 for a 1-pound box. The other brands all cost
less than $2. Dreamfields was also not the most calorie slim. That was
Ronzoni, with 180 calories per serving.
Here is how the test broke down:
BARILLA PLUS PENNE
- Price: $1.69 for 1-pound box
- Calories per serving: 200
- Carbs per serving: 38 grams
- Recommended?: Yes
Comments: While smaller and tanner than their regular semolina counterparts,
these penne nonetheless had a virtually identical taste and mouth feel. Eating
healthy in this case is not a sacrifice, taste-wise or penny-wise, since
this product is only 10 cents more than its regular counterpart.
ANTHONY'S RAINBOW ROTINI
- Price: $1.89 for 1-pound bag
- Calories per serving: 210
- Carbs per serving: 41 grams
- Recommended?: Yes
Comments: These rotini are perfectly serviceable, though there is no noticeable
taste difference between the so-called spinach rotini and tomato ones. But
for a purely cosmetic look, these sure make a pasta salad look pretty.
PENNE WITH OLIVES, BASIL AND CHEESE
- 1 1-pound package penne
- 1 bunch basil, washed, leaves only, roughly chopped
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup whole Kalamata olives
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cook penne according to package specifications. Drain.
While penne are cooking, heat 2 tablespoons oil in a skillet. Add basil,
and fry until crisp.
Place cooked pasta in a heated bowl. Add basil, remaining olive oil, cheese
and olives. Season. Toss to coat well.
Serve with crusty bread and extra cheese.
Makes 4 dinner servings.
PENNE WITH ZUCCHINI AND RICOTTA
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, chopped
- 2 pounds zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced thin
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 1-pound box penne
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh marjoram, chopped
Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add garlic, and cook until just fragrant.
Add zucchini, salt and pepper. Cook over medium heat 8 minutes.
Cook penne according to package directions. Drain, reserving 1 cup cooking
liquid.
Add penne and reserved liquid to skillet. Add cheeses and marjoram.
Toss ingredients in skillet for 1 minute, or until sauce thickens.
Makes 4 dinner servings.
