Eat Healthy with this Organic Recipe: ‘Simply Pasta’ from The Essence Café

The Essence Café, located on 116th St. near Brooks School Road, makes a healthy pasta salad with organic ingredients. You may be wondering, “What’s so special about organic ingredients?” Compared to conventional farms, organic farms do not release synthetic pesticides into the environment, many of which can potentially harm our water, soil, wildlife and the balance of diversity in plants, insects and animals within the ecosystems.

“We are pleased to offer a wide variety of fresh, natural ingredients on our menu, such as the items featured in our Simply Pasta,” says Shannon Walls, manager and catering director of Essence Café. By offering customers these natural food choices, the Essence Café not only represents a healthy alternative to fast food, but it also supports the “slow food movement.” What’s this? According to the Slow Food USA website, “When we shorten the distance–both literally and figuratively–that our food travels to get to us, we are participating in the Slow Food Movement.”

The “Simply Pasta” recipe from the Essence Café uses all of these organic ingredients: wheat pasta, fresh basil, tomato and garlic.

If you are interested in cooking with organic products, Kroger carries an abundant assortment of organic foods mainstreamed throughout the entire store, not just the produce area. Depending on the customer buying preferences and demographic data for the local market, every Kroger differs on the amount of organic choices. For example, the Geist Kroger at Fall Creek and 79th has between 120 to 130 organic products.

“The organics are an example of how Kroger is trying to encourage healthier, nutritious choices for our customers,” said John Elliott, Kroger Manager of Public Affairs for the central division.

Here is the “Simply Pasta” recipe from Essence Café:

1 quart of Whole Wheat All Natural Penne Pasta cooked with 1 T. Kosher Salt
8 Organic Roma Tomatoes
1 Cup Diced Fresh Mozzarella
1/2 Cup Diced Fresh Organic Basil
1 T. Fresh Organic Garlic
Olive Oil

Cook pasta with kosher salt. Drain well. Add all remaining ingredients and toss lightly with olive oil. (Serves 4-6)