This Balsamic Roasted Veggies with Penne and Avocado recipe is a flavourful vegetarian pasta dish that’s perfect for a quick, satisfying, and delicious weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 ripe avocados
• Avocado or olive oil
• 600g mixed vegetables, such as peppers, baby marrow, aubergine, red onion
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 2 tbsp mixed dried herbs or Italian herb seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2-3 tbsp Balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 500g penne pasta

Ingredients for the breadcrumbs

• 100g stale sourdough bread, cubed
• 3 tbsp avocado or olive oil
• 2 anchovy fillets, finely chopped (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• Pinch of chilli flakes (optional)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Flat leaf parsley, to garnish

Avocados are nutrient-dense, providing a variety of vitamins and minerals, including potassium, folate, and vitamins K, E, and C, and a source of healthy monounsaturated fats and dietary fibre.

Method

1. Preheat oven to 200˚C
2. Add a drizzle of the oil to a large oven dish and add the vegetables with the garlic and herbs. Season to taste and toss well. Drizzle over the Balsamic vinegar and brown sugar.
3. Roast in the oven until golden and slightly charred, about 20 – 25 minutes.
4. While the vegetables are roasting, boil the pasta in salted water according to instructions on the packet.
5. For the breadcrumbs, whizz the bread in a food processor to make rough crumbs. In a nonstick pan heat the oil and the anchovy (if using), breadcrumbs, garlic and chilli and gently fry until golden brown and toasted, about 2 – 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and add the lemon zest.
6. To serve, peel, stone and dice the avocados. Toss the drained pasta with the roasted veggies and avocado. Arrange on a platter and sprinkle over the toasted crumbs, and garnish with fresh parsley.

Recipe and images supplied by the South African Avocado Growers’ Association.

Author: Pedro van Gaalen

When he’s not writing about sport or health and fitness, Pedro is probably out training for his next marathon or ultra-marathon. He’s worked as a fitness professional and as a marketing and comms expert. He now combines his passions in his role as managing editor at Fitness magazine.