Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Chieffrey's Corner

The training cyclist means two things: Lots of time on the bike and thousand of calories consumed. I once read in an article, I believe on a Team Garmin rider, discussing how he no longer eats for pleasure, rather more as a business. Which makes logical sense seeing if you do not eat enough, you'll have no energy to train, and your performance will suffer.

A pastime I have come to enjoy and one I wish I could partake in a little more, is cooking. This is a nice hobby to have seeing cooking means food, food means energy, energy means I can kick my butt on the bike. I feel bad for the cyclist that can't cook because if you're cooking sucks, then most likely your not going to eat enough. Or your stuck eaten the same things over and over again.

My goal is to share recipes I come across, to help feed the need. But I will advise you try any recipe in advance and never before an event and to read ALL directions before cooking.

Colavita Pasta with Kidney Beans

ingredients:

1 pound Colavita ditali (or any short pasta)
5 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 small onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
1 celery stalk, chopped
1 teaspoon tomato paste
8 ounces fresh spinach
1 14-ounce can kidney beans
Pinch dried oregano
2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 tablespoon fresh parsley
Grated Parmesan cheese
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
Heat 4 tablespoons olive oil in skillet until hot. Add onion and cook until soft (1-2 min.) Add garlic, stir, and saute for 30 sec. Add carrot and celery and cook until tender. Stir in the tomato paste until combined. Add spinach, beans, and oregano and stir until will blended. Pour in broth and simmer for about 30 min. until all ingredients are tender. Salt and pepper to taste.

While veggies and beans are simmering, prepare pasta al dente and drain. Place cooked pasta in a serving bowl and toss with bean mix and fresh parsley. Drizzle with remaining tablespoon of olive oil, sprinkle with grated cheese and serve. Serves 4-6, normal people, or 2 cyclist.

Tip/Variation: You can add a little more broth and can serve as a hearty soup.

And for you fans of the hydroxyl functional group serve with a Sauvignon Blanc.


I found this recipe in a Bicycling magazine. Hope you enjoy!!