Why People Love This Recipe
Spaghetti Alle Vongole served with Tomato Garlic Sauce is a loved Italian dish that mixes the fresh briny sweetness of seafood with the rich flavor of garlic and tomatoes. This particular variation, with tomatoes as the main ingredient, is a delicious twist to the standard "in bianco" (white) variant. Not only is it a treat for the taste buds, but it also aligns with healthy eating principles, making it suitable for those seeking easy diabetic dinner recipes, low carb meals for diabetics, and diabetic weight loss dinner ideas.Wikipedia+2cookist.com+2La Cucina Italiana+2
Ingredients List
- 200g whole wheat spaghetti gluten-free pasta
- 500g of fresh Clams (vongole veraci) washed and scrubbed
- Two ripe tomatoes cut and peeled
- 3 cloves of garlic finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin
- 1/2 cup white wine dry (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (optional)
- Fresh parsley chopped and fresh, to garnish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to tasteGoodtoKnow+1La Cucina Italiana+1La Cucina Italiana+1Wikipedia+1Good FoodFood Network
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Timing
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Clams
Let the clams soak in salted water for around 20 minutes in order to flush out the sand. Clean them well under cold water. Discard any clams that remain open after tapping them gently.Reddit+9cookist.com+9The Petit Gourmet+9Good Food+1Serious Eats+1
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Large pot of salted water to simmer. Cook the spaghetti according to the instructions on the package until it is al at al. Reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water and rinse the pasta. Good Food
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
In a large pot in a large skillet, heat olive oil on medium-high temperature. Then add the garlic, and cook until fragrant, around 1 minute. Then add the tomatoes chopped and simmer until soft approximately five minutes. Add salt, pepper as well as red chili flakes in the event that you use.
Step 4: Cook the Clams
Incorporate the clams into the skillet. Pour into white wine. Cover the skillet and cook until opening of the clams, which is about 7 minutes. Do not discard any clams which do not break open. Food Network+12La Cucina Italiana+12Good Food+12
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Incorporate the spaghetti that has been cooked into the skillet and toss until it is all mixed. If the sauce becomes too thick, then add the cooking water from the pasta gradually until you've reached the consistency you want. achieved. La Cucina Italiana
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped parsley on top of the pasta, and then serve it promptly.
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Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories About 400 calories
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sodium: 300mgWikipedia+3Recipezazz.com+3Good Food+3
Notice: Nutritional values are estimates, and can depend on the brands of ingredients and the size of portions.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
- Pasta Select whole wheat pasta or gluten-free for a higher fiber content as well as lessen refined carbs.
- Clams Make use of sustainably harvested Clams to help protect the environment.
- Olive Oil Pick olive oils that are extra-virgin due to its monounsaturated fats that are heart-healthy and healthy.
- wine: To make a non-alcoholic variant, substitute white wine for the broth of a vegetable or clam. cookist.com The Petit Gourmet
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with cooked vegetables or a mixed green salad to get more nutrients.
- Serve alongside a slice whole grain bread, which will help soak up the delicious sauce.
- If you want to eat a diet that is low in carbs make pasta using the zucchini noodles or shirataki pasta. The Petit Gourmet
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Cooking the Clams too long: Clams must be prepared just to the point that they break but overcooking could make them difficult to handle.
- Incorrectly cleaning clams: Ensure clams are well cleaned and cleared of the grit and sand.
- The Pasta Water is not used: The reserved pasta water aids in gluing the sauce to pasta.
- Adding Cheese: Traditionally, cheese is not added to seafood pasta dishes in Italy, as it can overpower the delicate flavors of the clams.Good Food+5cookist.com+5The Petit Gourmet+5La Cucina Italiana+2GQ+2La Cucina Italiana+2
Storing Tips for the Recipe
- Refrigeration Remaining food items can be stored in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for a maximum of two days.
- Reheating Warm gently the skillet on moderate heat. Add the splash of liquid or broth to help loosen the sauce.
- Frozen: It is not recommended to store this dish in the freezer because it is possible that the texture could alter upon defrosting.
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Additional Tips or Alternatives
- vegan version: Use sauteed mushrooms instead of clams, and make use of soup broth made from vegetables instead of wine as an alternative made of plants.
- Spicy Kick Add more red chili flakes in order to make more spiciness.
- Herb Variations Explore different herb varieties like oregano and basil for diverse flavors. The Petit Gourmet
Conclusion
Spaghetti Alle Vongole with Tomato Garlic Sauce is a delicious and healthy dish that is well-suited to the guidelines for eating healthy for people who suffer from diabetes. Its blend of lean protein from clams, the fiber of whole wheat pasta, as well as the heart-healthy fats of olive oil make it an ideal balanced food choice. If you incorporate the recipe into your meal plan, you will be able to enjoy the delicious Italian recipe while observing the dietary guidelines.
FAQs
1. Is Spaghetti alle Vongole in Tomato Garlic Sauce suitable for people with diabetes?
Yes. When made with whole wheat or low-carb pasta, this dish is high in fiber and protein while remaining moderate in carbohydrates. It fits well into meal plans for healthy dinners for type 2 diabetes and supports diabetic weight loss dinner ideas.
2. What type of pasta is best for diabetics in this recipe?
Whole wheat pasta is a good option due to its lower glycemic index and higher fiber content. For an even lower-carb version, consider alternatives like:
- Zucchini noodles (zoodles)
- Shirataki noodles
- Lentil or chickpea pasta
These are excellent for low carb meals for diabetics.
3. Can I use canned clams instead of fresh clams?
Yes, you can use canned clams in a pinch, though fresh clams provide better flavor and texture. If using canned, choose those packed in water with no added salt to better suit quick diabetic-friendly meals for weight loss.
4. Is tomato sauce okay for diabetics?
Fresh tomatoes and simple tomato sauces with no added sugar are safe and healthy for diabetics. Always check labels if using store-bought sauce to avoid hidden sugars.
5. How can I make this recipe even lower in carbs?
- Replace pasta with spiralized zucchini or shirataki noodles.
- Use fewer tomatoes or choose cherry tomatoes, which have slightly fewer carbs.
- Skip or reduce the wine and add more garlic, herbs, and lemon juice for flavor.
These tweaks align with diabetic weight loss dinner ideas and low carb meals for diabetics.
6. Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?
The sauce can be made a few hours in advance, but it’s best to cook the clams fresh to preserve their flavor and texture. Cooked clams tend to become rubbery if reheated multiple times.
7. How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Avoid the microwave, as it can overcook the clams.
8. What can I serve alongside this meal for a complete diabetic-friendly dinner?
- Steamed or grilled non-starchy vegetables (e.g., broccoli, asparagus)
- A leafy green salad with olive oil and vinegar
- A small serving of avocado or nuts for healthy fats
These additions support healthy dinners for type 2 diabetes by balancing nutrients and helping regulate blood sugar.
9. Can I omit the wine in the sauce?
Yes. Wine adds depth, but for a non-alcoholic and diabetic-friendly option, you can substitute:
- Low-sodium vegetable broth
- Clam juice
- A splash of lemon juice for acidity
10. How often can I eat this as part of a diabetic diet?
In moderation, this dish can be included in a diabetic-friendly meal plan once or twice a week, especially when balanced with vegetables and portion control.