Rainbow Spaghetti Recipe
Introduction
Rainbow spaghetti is a fun and colorful twist on the classic pasta dish. Perfect for kids and adults alike, it combines vibrant hues with simple flavors, making mealtime both playful and delicious.
Ingredients
- 200g spaghetti
- A mix of food colourings (red, yellow, green, blue, or any combination)
- Salad dressing or melted butter, for tossing
- 50g cheddar, grated
- Mixed salad leaves and vegetables, to serve
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
- Step 2: Divide the cooked spaghetti evenly into bowls, based on how many different colours you want to create (five is suggested).
- Step 3: Add a drop of food colouring to each bowl. You can combine colours, such as red and yellow to make orange, if desired.
- Step 4: Mix the spaghetti well to distribute the colour. Add a splash of water if needed to help the colour spread evenly.
- Step 5: Let the spaghetti sit for 5 minutes, then rinse it under cold running water to set the colour and remove excess dye.
- Step 6: Toss the coloured spaghetti with salad dressing or melted butter to enhance flavor.
- Step 7: Top with grated cheddar cheese and serve alongside a fresh salad of mixed leaves and vegetables.
Tips & Variations
- Use leftover rainbow spaghetti to make a colorful omelette. Mix it with beaten eggs and grated parmesan, cook in a small non-stick pan, then finish under a hot grill. Serve in wedges for a tasty variation.
Storage
Store any leftover rainbow spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a pan with a little butter to keep the colors vibrant and the pasta moist.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can this recipe be made without food colouring?
Yes, you can skip the food colouring and enjoy plain spaghetti tossed with butter, cheese, and salad for a simple meal.
Is the food colouring safe for children?
Use food-safe colourings suitable for cooking, and use them sparingly. Natural colourings from vegetable juices can be a safer alternative.
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Rainbow Spaghetti Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Rainbow spaghetti is a fun and colorful twist on classic spaghetti, perfect for engaging kids in the kitchen and making mealtime exciting. This recipe involves cooking spaghetti and dyeing portions with various food colorings to create a vibrant, visually appealing dish. Served with a light salad dressing or melted butter, grated cheddar cheese, and mixed salad leaves and vegetables, it offers a nutritious, playful meal experience.
Ingredients
Rainbow Spaghetti
- 200g spaghetti
- A mix of food colourings (red, yellow, green, blue, and optionally combinations like orange)
- Salad dressing or melted butter, as needed
Toppings and Sides
- 50g cheddar, grated
- Mixed salad leaves and vegetables (such as lettuce, cucumber, cherry tomatoes)
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Cook 200g of spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the spaghetti thoroughly.
- Divide and Color the Spaghetti: Divide the drained spaghetti evenly into separate bowls based on the number of colors you want to create (the recipe uses five colours). Add a few drops of food colouring to each bowl, or combine two colours to create new shades (e.g., red and yellow to make orange). Mix well, adding a splash of water if necessary to help the colour disperse evenly. Let it sit for about 5 minutes.
- Set the Color: Rinse each bowl of coloured spaghetti under cold running water to set the colour and stop the dyeing process. Drain well.
- Serve or Play: If serving as a meal, toss the rainbow spaghetti with some salad dressing or melted butter. Top with grated cheddar cheese and a salad made from mixed leaves and vegetables. For sensory play, place the coloured spaghetti in a large tray or plastic bowl; optionally add ice cubes or let older toddlers practice cutting skills with safety scissors.
- Optional Rainbow Spaghetti Omelette: Mix any leftover rainbow spaghetti with beaten eggs and grated parmesan cheese. Heat a small non-stick frying pan with a drop of oil, cook the omelette until the bottom is set, then finish under a high grill until fully cooked. Cut into wedges and serve.
Notes
- Mixing food colours can create additional shades like orange by combining red and yellow.
- Rinsing the spaghetti under cold water after colouring helps set the dye and prevents mixing of colours.
- The coloured spaghetti can be used as a sensory activity for toddlers with added ice cubes or scissors for cutting practice.
- Leftover rainbow spaghetti is great for making a colorful omelette.
- Ensure safety when toddlers use scissors during sensory play.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: rainbow spaghetti, colorful pasta, kids recipe, sensory play food, vegetarian pasta, fun meal for kids
