This dish is very simple and technically vegetarian if you choose to go without the meatball or use vegetarian meat if you wish to go full vegetarian. This meal costs only roughly $5 to make which is good for a family serving.
*sauté onion and garlic, add pepper flakes if desired
*add diced zucchini
*add marinara sauce, mix well and simmer on low to medium heat until zucchini is tender
*cook pasta (you may add salt in water or do it later directly on pasta) then drain excess water, add olive oil and mix well coating much of the pasta to avoid sticking
*plate pasta, top with sauce, add some fresh ground pepper, Parmesan and meatballs
Since the lockdown last March I never had the luck to go and shop at Trader Joe’s. I attempted to go several times but the line was always very long, it not a bad thing considering how cautious the store is observing social distancing procedures but I don’t have the time to queue for along time then add some more time to shop. Finally after an unexpected drive by, surprisingly no line and not a single soul waiting by the door. Nope, I’m not missing that chance! Hurriedly parked the car and off to the store with a smile. Once I reached the door I was asked to wait as the lady counted the people inside. Not a hassle at all being first in line, I still gladly waited until I was able to finally get in to shop.
It took me some time to get done shopping since it was unplanned and none of the most essential things I wanted to get were to be found there, I was supposed to go to another place. Not to waste that rare chance of shopping in TJ’s I ended up grabbing our favorites, who knows when will I go back there again and not having to wait in line. Staying home almost 24/7 makes a simple grocery trip feel like a slice of freedom. Allowing yourself to enjoy a little bit of time shopping and being able to move away from home can recharge a tired soul. Of course there’s a hint of exaggeration right there, once all the shopping’s done then the tedious sanitizing procedure that comes after slaps you back to reality. Isn’t that bittersweet?
By Munting Kusinera