Whole Wheat Pasta & Regular Pasta Alternatives

[Giselle*sMom]

I remember reading a thread about a month ago regarding the downfalls of whole wheat pasta and it's gritty texture. I have found an alternative, it's by a company called De Boles and they make an organic spinach based pasta which is simply delicious. It does not have the gritty texture, and doesn't really taste spinach-like to me.

Nutritional Info: (per serving)

Cals 210
Fat 1
Fiber 3
Points per serving = 4

There are four servings in the box, making the entire box 16 points. I boiled the entire box, and then divided it into two bowls. I had a very large bowl of pasta for only 8 points. You could go even further and divide those bowls to make 4 point servings.

I proceeded to take chopped red onion, fresh mushrooms, fresh garlic, fresh basil, and one chopped tomato, sauteed in olive-oil pam spray, and served over the pasta. DEEEEEE-LISH.

[tortoise123]

I use Bionature Whole Wheat pasta and it's delicious. You also need to avoid overcooking it - it cooks faster than the regular stuff.

[Giselle*sMom]

Just found that De Boles also makes organic corn based pasta! This is even lower in points than the spinach kind.

Stats:
200 calories
2 fat
5 fiber
only 3 points per serving

Again, I cooked half the box making for only 6 points. This time around I had it with 1/2 cup of Prego meatball sauce (3 points) for a satisfying dinner. I could have easily added fresh veggies, mushrooms, onions, etc... to bulk it up even further.

These are a must if you're a pasta lover like me smile.gif

[ChrisGard]

i have been using Creamette's Healthy Harvest whole wheat pasta. it comes in several shapes and is not much more expensive than regular pasta. i tried it out on the family without saying anything and there were no complaints. now if only i could get them to eat brown rice!
Chris

[Jan_Barrington]

I use whole wheat pasta and love it.
Chris I saw your comment about the brown rice. Here is a little tip I learned in switching over to brown rice because it does taste different. What you do is start out with 3/4 white rice and 1/4 brown and serve it that way a while the up it to half and half for a while then make it 3/4 brown and 1/4 white for a while and then go all brown. It is worth a try.

[ChrisGard]

jan,
i don't mind the flavor of brown rice at all. the texture is what gets me, and my kids. it's always kind of mushy and oatmeal like. maybe i'm not cooking it correctly or using the wrong brand. whay type of brown rice do you use?
Chris2

[calgal]

I know you didn't ask me, but that's when I give my best input. ;)

I use Mahatma brand brown rice. I've also used store brand and it comes out just fine. If yours is coming out sticky or mushy, maybe you should cook it a little bit less - it's supposed to be just a little bit chewy - not as soft as white rice. The cooking ratio is 2 cups water per cup of uncooked rice - have you been using more water?

Anyway, I've gotten quite used to brown rice - I even used it to make Spanish rice the other day, and hardly noticed the difference.

[jmjgtodd]

A word of warning - Don't bother with the soy based pasta. I bought some from Whole Foods and it was AWFUL. I just started eating whole wheat and while the texture is different, I actually like it. The Soy Pasta was low carb and higher in fiber and came out to 3 points for a cup . . .but it was NOT worth it! I will stick to whole wheat!!

Just my opinion!

[Jan_Barrington]

I use Lunberg brand brown rice.
I also use Lundberg wild blend which is 150 Cal 1.5 grams of fat and 3 grams of fiber.
I like them both very much.

[Giselle*sMom]

Jmjg - Yep, I tried the soy based pasta..YUCK! That's what I like about the DeBoles brand, it tastes like normal pasta.

Instead of brown rice, I use bulgur. It's very much like rice, has the same rice texture, and it pretty much takes on the flavor of whatever you boil it in. I have heard of people using chicken broth for boiling. I use plain water, that way I can season my bulgur to be hearty or sweet. It's only 2 points per cup, too.

[Jel Owl]

Bumping up~ :p