Espaguetis Verdes (Espagueti Verde): A Tasty Green Alternative to Classic Spaghetti
Espaguetis verdes (sometimes called espagueti verde) are a fascinating and novel way to eat spaghetti. This colourful, flavourful dish uses a creamy green sauce made from fresh, wholesome ingredients to create a lovely take on classic spaghetti. espaguetis verdes, which translates to “green spaghetti,” is a common meal in many Latin American nations, especially in Mexico. To give the pasta a rich, herbaceous, and somewhat spicy flavour, cilantro, spinach, and occasionally chiles are typically added.
The history, ingredients, and detailed recipe for espaguetis verdes (espagueti verde), a dish that’s ideal for anyone searching for a tasty and nutritious pasta substitute, will all be covered in this blog. Let’s examine how many kitchens have come to love this green spaghetti meal and how to prepare it at home!
Espaguetis Verdes (Espagueti Verde), what is it?
In the pasta meal espaguetis verdes, spaghetti is served with a green sauce, usually cooked with fresh herbs and vegetables. The main components of the green sauce are cilantro, jalapeño or serrano chiles, and spinach. The rich, creamy texture of the sauce is frequently accentuated by cheese or cream. These ingredients work together to create a tasty sauce that tastes fresh and earthy, savoury and somewhat spicy.
Because it contains herbs and leafy greens, the meal is not only delicious but also very nourishing and a better substitute for thick, tomato-based pasta sauces. Both vegans and meat eaters will appreciate Espaguetis verdes, which tastes great on its own or with grilled chicken, prawns or other meats.
Espaguetis Verdes: Why Try It?
Espaguetis verdes has a number of special benefits.
- Nutritious: Especially when cooked with spinach and cilantro, the green sauce is bursting with antioxidants, fresh vegetables, and herbs.
- Vibrant and Colourful The brilliant green sauce gives your meal a welcoming and vivid hue, creating an eye-catching dish that is sure to wow.
With a touch of spiciness (from the chillies), herbiness (from the cilantro), and creaminess (from the cream or cheese), this dish offers a novel twist on classic spaghetti. - Versatile: The recipe is easily adaptable to your dietary requirements. Depending on your preferences, it can be made vegan, vegetarian, or with meat.
Essential Components of Espaguetis Verdes
The main components of espaguetis verdes (espagueti verde) are simple but incredibly flavourful. What you’ll need to prepare this delectable dish is as follows:
In reference to the green sauce:
For the Green Sauce:
- Spinach: The base of the green sauce, providing a mild flavor and vibrant color.
- Cilantro: A key ingredient that adds a fresh, citrusy note to the sauce. It’s a flavor you’ll recognize in many Mexican dishes.
- Jalapeño or Serrano Chilies: For a slight heat and spiciness. Adjust the number of chilies based on your heat preference.
- Garlic: For an aromatic depth of flavor.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and balance to the sauce.
- Cream or Sour Cream: To make the sauce creamy and rich. You can use dairy or a plant-based cream for a vegan option.
- Cheese: Some variations of espaguetis verdes include cheese, such as Parmesan or Mexican queso fresco, to add flavor and richness.
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth: To thin out the sauce and add a savory note. Vegetable broth works for a vegetarian or vegan version.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing the onions, garlic, and chilies.
For the Pasta:
- Spaghetti: The base of the dish, of course! You can use traditional spaghetti or any pasta shape you prefer, like fettuccine or penne.
Optional Garnishes:
Lime wedges: To squeeze on top for a tangy twist.
Crumbled Cheese: A sprinkle of cotija cheese or queso fresco for an authentic Mexican touch.
Fresh Cilantro: A garnish to enhance the fresh flavor.
Optional Garnishes: Crumbled Cheese: For a real Mexican flair, add a dash of cotija cheese or queso fresco.
Fresh cilantro is a garnish that adds a burst of flavour.
To add a tart twist, squeeze lime wedges on top.
Recipe for Espaguetis Verdes (Espagueti Verde)
After discussing the essential components, let’s get started on creating espaguetis verdes (espagueti verde). This recipe is easy, quick, and tasty, making it ideal for a big event or a weeknight supper.
Ingredients: 8 ounces of spaghetti, or any other type of pasta
Two cups of freshly washed and roughly cut spinach leaves; half a cup of freshly chopped cilantro leaves; and one or two jalapeños or serrano chillies (seeds removed for less spice)
- 8 oz spaghetti (or pasta of your choice)
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves,
- washed and roughly chopped1/2 cup fresh
- cilantro leaves1-2 jalapeños or serrano chilies (seeds removed for less heat)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced1 small onion,
- chopped1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free version)
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth2 tbsp olive
- oilSalt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup crumbled cotija or queso fresco (optional)Lime wedges (for garnish)
Directions:
First, prepare the spaghetti.
Bring a big saucepan of salted water to a boil first. After adding the pasta, cook it as directed on the package until it is al dente, which normally takes 8 to 10 minutes. After draining the pasta, keep aside a cup of the pasta water for later use.
Make the Green Sauce in Step Two
Heat the olive oil in a big skillet over medium heat while the pasta cooks. Sauté the garlic and onion for 3–4 minutes, or until aromatic and softened.
Add the serrano chillies or jalapeños next, then the cilantro and spinach. Continue to sauté for two to three more minutes, or until the cilantro is fragrant and the spinach has wilted.
Bring the chicken broth to a simmer when the vegetables have finished cooking. Give it a good five minutes to cook so the flavours can combine. Then put everything in a food processor or blender and pulse until smooth. For a creamy texture, put the heavy cream or your preferred dairy-free cream in the blender. To taste, add pepper and salt to the sauce.
Step 3: Mix the sauce with the pasta
Put the cooked pasta back in the skillet or saucepan. If the green sauce is too thick, add a small amount of the pasta water that was set aside and mix to coat the noodles.
Step 4: Present and Decorate
Transfer the spaghetti to plates when it has been thoroughly covered with the green sauce. Add some fresh cilantro leaves, crumbled cotija cheese, or a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese as garnish. The flavours of the meal are nicely complemented by the zesty touch of a freshly squeezed lime on top.
Optional Additions: grilled chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for extra protein can be added for a heartier version.
- Before serving, mix in additional cream or a dollop of sour cream if you prefer your spaghetti particularly creamy.
How to Make the Best Espaguetis Verdes
Modify the Heat: Add a couple extra jalapeños or leave some seeds in the chillies if you prefer it hotter.
- Make it Vegan: Use coconut cream and vegan cheese, or omit the cheese entirely, to make the meal entirely plant-based.
- Use Fresh Ingredients To get the finest flavour and colour, use fresh cilantro and spinach.
- Add Protein To make it more heartier, you can add grilled prawns, pork or chicken, or for a vegetarian option, sautéed mushrooms.
- Use Pasta Water: To thin out the sauce and make it adhere to the noodles, save some pasta water.
Reasons to Adore Espaguetis Verdes
An intriguing and distinctive twist on classic pasta meals is espaguetis verdes. This dish’s fresh, herbaceous green sauce provides the ideal harmony of savoury, spicy, and creamy flavours. espaguetis verdes is a recipe that combines the best of both worlds—familiar spaghetti with a delectably unique twist—whether you’re a lover of conventional pasta dishes or want to try something new.
This recipe is likely to be a hit whether you’re presenting it to guests, preparing a quick weekday meal, or just in the need for something yummy and colourful. A pleasant and healthful twist on pasta is provided by Espaguetis verdes. Try it now, and infuse your table with the flavours of espagueti verde!
Do you have any prior experience with espaguetis verdes or espagueti verde? Please share your opinions or any changes you would want to see in the comments section! Have fun in the kitchen!