SOUTH OF THE BORDER FARFALLE!

South of the Border Farfalle is my contribution to Kalyn's "Weekend Herb Blogging",who is also the hosting this week at 'Kalynskitchen'.Thank you Kalyn. The herb I am using today is Cilantro.





Cilantro:





Cilantro/Coriander leaves is the leaf of the young coriander plant,an herb in the parsley family.Cilantro and Coriander seeds from the Coriander plants are traditionally used in Middle Eastern,Mexican and Asian cooking extensively.
History Of Cilantro:
Coriander is probably one of the first herbs to be used by mankind, perhaps going back as far back as 5000 BC. It is mentioned in early Sanskrit writings in India dating from about 1500 BC.The Romans spread it throughout Europe and it was one of the first spices to arrive in America!






Cilantro should be used crushed or chopped in the dishes in small amounts as it has a strong flavor.Cilantro is a perfect addition to Mexican and Indian dishes.Add Cilantro to salsas and bean dips, in sour cream and use it as a topping for chili, tacos,enchiladas and most Indian dishes as well.(www.culinarycafe.com) More info here.

South of the Border Cilantro-Cream Cheese Farfalle Pasta:


You Need: Serves Two

1 cup Farfalle(Bow Tie) pasta,1/2 of 8oz block of 1/3rd fat Cream Cheese(Neufchatel),1 tbsp minced Jalapenos,1-2 tbsp minced Cilantro,1 tsp Garlic pd,3 tbsp Green Onions chopped,1/2 cup Spinach chopped and cooked,1/4 cup 2% milk,1 tbsp low-fat Sour Cream,salt.

How to:


In a bowl,take Cream Cheese and bring it to room temp..To this add 1 tsp minced Jalapenos,1-2tbsp minced Cilantro,1 tsp Garlic pd,3tbsp Green onions chopped,,1/2 cup frozen Spinach cooked,1/4 cup milk,1 tbsp Fat-Free Sour cream, pinch of salt,mix well.



Warm the above mixture in the microwave with 50% power if you have it just for a minute or two until warm, NOT SIMMER OR BOIL.Adjust the seasoning.
Cook 1 cup Farfalle or Bow Tie pasta,drain,let it cool a bit and add to the Cream Cheese sauce and mix well.




Note:
1. You could add more Cilantro if you like or replace it with Dill or Parsley.
2. The above block of spicy Cream Cheese you see in the photo,I usually make it without adding milk or sour cream,mould to a rectangle and chill in the fridge.Tastes great with Bagels.

Your spicy and Tangy "South of the Border Farfalle"
is ready to be served!



Enjoy the quick and delicious Pasta!:)