Creamy Green One-Pot Pasta Dish

### The Ascent of TikTok Pasta: A Culinary Craze

In the last few years, social media platforms have revolutionized the way we discover and interact with food. One of the notable trends that has won over the hearts (and cravings) of many is the “TikTok pasta,” a straightforward yet delectable dish featuring baked feta cheese and cherry tomatoes. This viral recipe has not only pleased taste buds but also ignited a renewed passion for cooking among younger generations, as illustrated by a proud parent moment shared by a user who observed their daughter preparing the dish on her own.

#### The TikTok Pasta Sensation

The TikTok pasta recipe generally involves placing a block of feta cheese in a baking dish surrounded by cherry tomatoes, drizzling the entire setup with olive oil, and seasoning with salt and pepper. Once baked until the cheese is creamy and the tomatoes have burst, the mixture is mashed together and combined with cooked pasta. The outcome is a rich, flavorful sauce that has become a favorite due to its ease and simplicity in preparation.

This trend signifies a notable change in cooking practices, especially among younger people who are increasingly looking to platforms like TikTok for culinary inspiration. The accessibility of these quick and easy recipes has made cooking more approachable, motivating even novice cooks to experiment in the kitchen.

#### A Fast and Creamy Kale Pasta Recipe

Building on the trend of quick pasta meals, here’s a tasty recipe that features kale, offering a nutritious option for lunch. Although kale might not be a preferred choice for kids, this creamy pasta dish is guaranteed to impress adults and can be whipped up in under 15 minutes with minimal mess.

**Ingredients:**
– Bucatini pasta (or spaghetti)
– Fresh kale
– Olive oil
– Garlic
– Parmesan cheese
– Lemon juice
– Salt and pepper

**Instructions:**
1. **Cook the Pasta:** In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the bucatini pasta and cook according to package directions.
2. **Prepare the Kale:** In the final minute of cooking the pasta, add the kale to the pot to soften it.
3. **Blend the Sauce:** Reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and kale. In a blender, mix the softened kale, a splash of olive oil, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and a bit of the reserved pasta water. Blend until smooth, adjusting the consistency with more pasta water as necessary.
4. **Combine:** Toss the pasta with half of the kale sauce, ensuring it’s well coated. Serve the remaining sauce at the bottom of the plates for an impressive presentation.
5. **Enjoy:** Garnish with extra Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

This approach, inspired by Jamie Oliver’s 5-ingredient cookbook, elevates a basic pasta dish into a creamy, visually alluring meal. The use of bucatini pasta, which is thicker and hollow, enables it to absorb more sauce, enhancing the overall flavor.

#### Join the Cookalong

For those eager to cook along, a live session will take place on Instagram Stories, where you can follow the recipe step-by-step. Be sure to gather the ingredients and tune in on Wednesday, March 3, around noon CET at [@gkstories](http://www.instagram.com/gkstories). Participants are invited to share their interpretations of the dish on Instagram, tagging the account for a chance to be featured.

### Conclusion

The impact of social media on cooking is irrefutable, with trends like TikTok pasta motivating a new generation of home cooks. Quick and easy recipes not only save time but also foster creativity in the kitchen. Whether you’re an experienced chef or a novice, there’s always something new to explore and relish in the realm of cooking.

Orange, Date, and Avocado Salad Recipe for the Month of April

### Embracing Easter with Citrus: A Revitalizing Salad Recipe

As the Easter season draws near, many are seeking ways to relish seasonal produce while enjoying time with family and friends. Incorporating fresh flavors into your holiday dishes is best achieved through colorful salads. This article will delve into a delightful citrus salad recipe that showcases the final citrus fruits of the season, along with some exciting links to culinary projects and books to ignite your cooking creativity.

#### The Citrus Salad

This citrus salad is not only aesthetically pleasing but also brimming with taste and nutrition. The mix of sweet citrus, smooth avocado, and crunchy hazelnuts provides a delightful contrast that is ideal for any spring event. Here’s how to prepare it:

**Ingredients:**
– Mixed citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruits, lemons)
– Mature avocado
– Toasted hazelnuts
– Sweet dates, pitted and chopped
– Extra virgin olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh bitter greens (like arugula or radicchio)
– Crusty bread for serving

**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Citrus:** Peel and segment the citrus fruits, discarding any seeds. Arrange the segments on a serving platter.
2. **Slice the Avocado:** Halve the avocado, remove the pit, and slice it into thin wedges. Distribute the avocado slices among the citrus segments.
3. **Add the Greens:** Scatter the bitter greens over the citrus and avocado.
4. **Top with Hazelnuts and Dates:** Sprinkle the toasted hazelnuts and chopped dates over the salad to enhance texture and sweetness.
5. **Dress the Salad:** Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and season with salt and pepper to your liking.
6. **Serve with Bread:** Present the salad with slices of crusty bread to soak up the delightful juices.

This salad serves as an ideal side dish for Easter brunch or dinner, providing a refreshing counterpoint to heavier fare.

#### Culinary Inspirations and Recommendations

While savoring your salad, consider exploring some of the following culinary projects and books that can elevate your cooking endeavors:

– **Popl Burger:** Following the temporary closure of Noma, the team launched Popl, an outdoor burger spot featuring a vegetarian burger crafted from fermented quinoa. Check their Instagram for enticing visuals.

– **To Asia With Love by Hetty McKinnon:** This recent book is filled with uncomplicated noodle dishes that are sure to inspire your weeknight meals.

– **Coming Clean Project Podcast:** Tune in as Luise and her co-hosts discuss the shift to a plant-based diet and explore food toxins in their engaging podcast sessions.

– **David Chang’s Microwave Salmon:** A humorous spin on cooking that has sparked lively online discussions.

– **Rachel Karten’s Newsletter:** For those curious about a career in social media, Rachel’s newsletter offers insightful information and job listings.

– **Heidi Swanson’s Super Natural Simple:** A much-anticipated book that embodies the California lifestyle with stunning recipes.

– **Vegetable Tattoos:** A new edition of this project is on the way, featuring beautiful illustrations by Penelope Dullaghan.

– **Simply Julia by Julia Turshen:** A book that balances creativity and health in its culinary approach.

#### Easter Cooking Tips

If you’re still considering what to prepare for the Easter holiday, here are some extra suggestions:

– **Soups:** Opt for Asparagus & Spinach Soup or Carrot, Tomato & Coconut Soup for a warm starter.
– **Salads:** In addition to the citrus salad, enjoy Grilled Asparagus and Creamy Lemon Quinoa or Spring Celebration Salad.
– **Pies:** Perfect Picnic Pie and Beet & Greens Tart are excellent choices for a savory flair.
– **Chocolate Treats:** Conclude your meal on a sweet note with Chocolate Tahini Cups or Banana, Almond & Chocolate Cake.

With this citrus salad and these culinary inspirations, you’re well on your way to a joyous Easter celebration. Relish the tastes of spring and the company of cherished ones!

Summer Romance Note and Courgette Soup Recipe

### Zucchini Soup: A Smooth and Tasty Treat

Zucchini soup is a tasty and healthy recipe that showcases the fresh tastes of summer produce. This velvety soup is not only simple to make but also adaptable, offering a range of toppings and alterations to fit your preferences. Below is a comprehensive recipe along with some details regarding its components and preparation.

#### Ingredients

– **2 tbsp olive oil**: A nutritious fat that imparts richness and assists in sautéing the vegetables.
– **1 yellow onion**: Gives a sweet foundational flavor once cooked.
– **1 celery stalk**: Contributes a gentle crunch and complexity to the soup.
– **1-2 cloves garlic**: Boosts the overall taste profile with its fragrant properties.
– **1 large or 2 smaller zucchini (courgette)**: The main ingredient, providing a subtle taste and velvety texture when blended.
– **A generous handful of fresh spinach**: Introduces nutrients and a lively green hue.
– **120 ml (1/2 cup) white wine**: Adds acidity and richness to the soup.
– **500 ml (2 cups) vegetable stock**: Functions as the base liquid, enriching the soup with flavor.
– **120 ml (1/2 cup) cream or coconut cream**: Delivers creaminess; coconut cream serves as an excellent dairy-free option.
– **A handful of fresh herbs (recommend dill and mint)**: Fresh herbs enhance the soup’s taste and bring freshness.
– **1 lemon**: The juice livens up the dish and balances the creaminess.
– **Salt & black pepper**: Vital seasonings to amplify all the flavors.

#### Toppings

– **1 cup cooked quinoa**: Incorporates protein and substance, making the soup more satisfying.
– **Sour cream or smetana**: A rich topping that enhances the soup’s flavors.
– **Dill**: Fresh dill can be sprinkled on top for a fragrant finale.
– **Red onion or chives, finely chopped**: Provides a crunchy element and a touch of sharpness.

#### Preparation

1. **Sauté the Base**: In a large pot, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery, cooking until they become soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until aromatic.

2. **Add Zucchini and Spinach**: Dice the zucchini into small pieces and incorporate it into the pot with the fresh spinach. Sauté for a few minutes until the zucchini starts to soften.

3. **Deglaze with Wine**: Pour in the white wine, scraping the pot’s bottom to free any flavorful bits. Let the wine simmer for a few minutes until it reduces a bit.

4. **Add Stock and Simmer**: Add the vegetable stock and bring the mixture to a boil. Lower the heat and let it simmer for around 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine and the vegetables to become tender.

5. **Blend the Soup**: Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until it’s smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer it in batches to a countertop blender. If using a blender, exercise caution with the hot liquid.

6. **Finish with Cream and Herbs**: Mix in the cream or coconut cream, fresh herbs, and lemon juice. Season with salt and black pepper to your liking. Warm through for a few more minutes.

7. **Serve**: Scoop the soup into bowls and garnish with cooked quinoa, a spoonful of sour cream, fresh dill, and chopped red onion or chives.

#### Conclusion

Zucchini soup is a wonderful way to relish the tastes of fresh vegetables while offering a comforting and hearty dish. Its creamy consistency and vibrant flavor make it ideal for any occasion, whether as a light lunch or an appetizer for dinner. Try out different herbs and toppings to personalize this recipe!