As winter approaches, it’s so important to listen to our bodies and make sure we are giving them what they need in order to best combat the chilliest of all seasons and, fingers crossed, survive the winter minefield that is colds and flu. I know that when it gets colder, my body needs warmer foods, and lots of energy. Which is such a great excuse to make and eat the yummiest, most nourishing and comforting meals, as that kind of food is exactly what your body needs!

I love brown rice pasta as it’s such a good substitute for wheat-based pasta and it’s so great if you need to whip up a super quick dinner during the week. Paired with a homemade pesto sauce (which is SO much tastier than any shop bought pesto I’ve ever tried), some sun-dried tomatoes and broccoli, it makes for an energising, immune-boosting and all round delicious meal.

So if you fancy some healthy fast food then here’s the answer! You can even add in any leftover veggies you have lying around, or a bit of chicken or maybe some beans if you want to pump up the protein.

Ingredients

• 2 cups brown rice pasta (or other gluten free pasta), uncooked
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
• 1 head of broccoli, chopped into florets
• 1/2 cup pine nuts
• 1/2 cup basil
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Pinch of Himalayan sea salt

Bring a saucepan full of water to the boil and pop in the pasta. While it’s cooking, put the pine nuts, basil, olive oil and salt in a food processor and whizz for about a minute until they form a delicious pesto. When the pasta is almost done, bring another saucepan of water to the boil and add in the broccoli. Once the broccoli and pasta are cooked, drain them and pour them both into a big bowl, stirring in the sun-dried tomatoes and pesto.

Hey pesto!

Love, Mrs H xx