Do you ever feel so uninspired to make dinner? I do. Baking comes naturally to me, but main dishes I really have to work at. That’s okay though, because sometimes we have salad and cake or pie for dinner 🙂 And you know the kind of ingredients in my cakes and pies—super healthy. High protein, low carb, full of vitamins, good fat, fiber, essential fatty acids… But enough about cake and pie… 😉
If you follow me on facebook, then you know that last week I accidentally made an amazing dinner dish. When it’s really hot, like it’s been, I try to use the oven as little as possible. That’s when the crock pot comes in handy. Sometimes I even put the crock pot outside under my covered porch, as long as there’s no chance of rain (which is most of the time where I live).
Spaghetti Leonardo
Add to Crock pot:
4 cups chopped vine-ripened tomatoes
4 Italian sausage (casing removed)
1/2 an onion, chopped
1/4 tsp garlic
1/4 tsp salt
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Set to 4 hours high.
After cooking throw in about 3 cups fresh chopped spinach to wilt.
I also added a drizzle of organic extra virgin olive oil, and a few cranks of fresh ground pepper.
Serve over over noodles. I use Tinkyada.
Why am I calling it “Spaghetti Leonardo” you might ask? I was looking for an Italian name, and who better to honor than my hero, Leonardo DiCaprio. No, I’m not talking about his acting career, although I do love his movies. I’m talking about what Leonardo does in his free time. You may have noticed the little polar bear button at the bottom of the right hand column on my blog. That’s a link to one of my favorite organizations, the Natural Resources Defense Council. Leonardo DiCaprio is one of the board members of the NRDC, along with Robert Redford. I joined the NRDC about four years ago, after hearing about them from my brother, Brandon. If you can, check them out and give them your support too.
Click to go to the Natural Resources Defense Council
Carrie says
It sounds delicious Kelly! And what a wonderful slow cooker recipe! I had no idea good ‘ol Leonardo was into saving & protecting natural resources! That’s wonderful! And I’m still think that’s the most beautiful bowl ever!!
Sara says
Totally agree with it being hard to come up with main dishes most of the time. With this new lifestyle, it has been tough to be creative ALL the time, since using these same ingredients can get mundane. This one looks delicious! I would probably sub mushrooms for the sausage, but as a whole it sounds fabulous!
kario says
The reason I come here is because the main dishes part comes way easier to me than the baking, but thanks for the crock pot recipe – I love them! Can’t wait to try it out on my kids.
Cathy says
This looks really yummy. I am definitely going to give it a try.
By the way, I love the bowl!
The Gluten-free 'Dish' says
I feel the same way about main dishes…I would rather bake. This dish looks perfect for the hot summer days. Stay cool!
Kim @ Cook IT Allergy Free says
This looks so easy and yummy. I am like you where I have way more fun thinking up baked goods, instead of dinner.
We will give this one a go in our house. And the crock pot is a must here when it is 105 out!
Plus, what a great reason (and person) to name the dish!
Amy @ Simply Sugar & Gluten Free says
I often feel fully uninspired not only when I’m cooking but also when I’m writing. But, sometimes, it’s in those moments when something else takes over and I do my best work. I guess I get out of my own way.
I’m also a big CrockPot fan – and love your dish. Stirring fresh spinach in at the end is something I’d do. I love spinach.