I have a new love in my life … I’m not ashamed to tell you that it’s yet another amazing kitchen tool. And why should I be shy about sharing the joys of newfound culinary delights! Especially since this one has brought such joy to my plate and palate, because ever since I went grain-free, I’ve seriously been missing noodles!
That was until I got “Inspiralized!”
I first learned about this amazing little kitchen gem called the Spiralizer when I read an intriguing guest post at Against All Grain by Ali author of the beautiful and delicious cookbook Inspiralized. The photo made my heart leap – could those little zucchini noodles really fill the void in my tummy {heart} for noodle slurping fun?
Oh yes, my friends! It’s true! I was even tempted to take a photo of my hubby and I slurping up a zoodle together just like in Lady & the Tramp … but my hubby gave me the eye-roll and I’m pretty sure you’re probably doing that right now. But I’m betting that with just one zoodle slurp, you’ll be hooked too!
Meet my new friend Ali author of Inspiralized. She’s helping inspire families everywhere to eat healthier with each tasty twist of her spiralizer. And I’m betting that after just one bite, you’ll be inspiralized too!
That’s why I’m so excited to introduce you to THE ultimate source of my inspiralization – my new friend Ali author of Inspiralized. She also has an amazing blog completely dedicated to teaching us how to use the spiralizer to create amazing culinary delights that are certain to not only put more veggies on your plate, but a smile on your face and a warm-fuzzy in your tummy too!
So to kick-off this special Oodles of Zoodles Spiralizer Series, Ali is sharing one of her easy and delicious zoodle recipes that’s so good even the skeptics in my house were asking for seconds.
But before we get to the recipe, I asked Ali a few questions …
Kelly: In a nutshell, what is spiralizing all about?
Ali: By definition, spiralizing is about turning vegetables into noodles. However, spiralizing goes beyond that. By spiralizing vegetables, you no longer have to sacrifice flavor for health. Spiralizing allows you to transform real, whole ingredients into big bowls of your favorite pastas, noodles and rices.
Instead of having to make tasteless or chewy noodles with flavorless sauces, you can eat a restaurant-sized portion of recipes like this delicious Turkey Bolognese – without the heavy calories, carbs or sugars. In reality, spiralizing is a new cooking method that allows us the freedom to eat healthy, creatively and deliciously!
Kelly: Tell us about your incredible site Inspiralized …
Ali: Inspiralized is the only online resource devoted 100% to spiralizing. You can find tutorials and videos for how to spiralize vegetables, daily recipes and other related content. When you first open your spiralizer, you should have your browser set on Inspiralized.com! And better yet, grab a copy of my new cookbook, Inspiralized!
My mother actually discovered the spiralizer. One evening in spring of 2013, she made me a simple zucchini noodle dish. I was so blown away that I took her spiralizer that night, went back to my apartment and made dinner for my boyfriend and I the next day. When he tasted it, he was amazed and literally told me to quit my job, saying “This is revolutionary!” A couple months later, I quit my job and the next day, I went to a local coffee shop, bought the Inspiralized.com domain and started blogging!
I’ve always loved to write and cook, so it only seemed natural to start a food blog. However, the real joy in blogging comes from everyone’s excitement and relief when they realize they can eat healthily and deliciously. We’re too caught up on trying to portion control our favorite foods (ie pasta) and this gives everyone the opportunity to pack in their nutrient-dense veggies in a delicious way. Every time I receive a kind e-mail from a reader about how my blog has changed his/her life (whether they’re gluten-free, grain-free, on a low-carb diet, or just trying to eat healthier and more creatively), I’m reminded of the power of spiralizing and my mission to make it a common way of preparing food!
Kelly: Thank you for being our guest today, Ali! You have such a wonderful talent for creating amazing dishes that are nutrient-dense and incredibly flavorful.
Speaking of which, I’m super excited to share with ya’ll one of Ali’s amazing pasta transformations … it’s her world famous Turkey Bolognese recipe. A perfect way to introduce your family to the joys of spiralizing.
And … Can I tell you a little secret? This amazing little device does more than just noodl-ize zucchini, as Ali mentioned, it can turn virtually any veggie into a noodle and have you noticed how much kids like noodles?
Even my finicky preteens gave the veggie noodles a shot and had to admit they’re pretty awesome! Yes, getting more veggies into my boys is proof enough for me that this new kitchen tool ROCKS!
So I invited you to jump in with me to the delicious world of spiralizing. Each week, during the month of April, I’ll be sharing how I’ve transformed one of my family’s favorite pasta dishes using the spiralizer.
Are you a spiralizer fan too? If so, what are your favorite ways to use this amazing kitchen wonder?
Looks awesome! Can’t wait to try it. Where is the recipe? I can’t seem to find it. Thanks!
Hi, Krista. Thanks for taking the time to leave a kind note. You are SO right, I completely zoned and forgot to include the links to the recipe. LOL! I’ve included them now, but here it is: http://thenourishinghome.com/2014/04/turkey-bolognese-with-zoodles/ Thanks again for helping me out by leaving a note. I don’t know what I’d do without awesome reader-friends like you! Blessings, Kelly 🙂
That is so cool! Seriously this could be the answer I’ve been looking for to replace pasta for my kids. 2 of them are gluten free and it would be great to have the other 4 be able to eat the same things. A lot of times the gluten free things are loaded with other stuff that you wouldn’t want your kids (or me) to eat either. This gives you straight up healthy goodness. Thanks for sharing this.
You’re welcome, Richard! And I totally know what you mean. It’s no fun having to be a short-order cook. Plus I love the fact this little device gets my kids more excited about eating their veggies. Blessings, Kelly 🙂
Am I missing the link to the recipe?
Thanks, Nikki. What a goofball I am, I completely forgot to add the links to the recipe. So glad you caught that! You’re a blessing. I added the links in, but here it is: http://thenourishinghome.com/2014/04/turkey-bolognese-with-zoodles/ Thanks again, friend! 🙂
Thanks so much! I figured I was just overlooking it. I’m looking forward to trying this recipe. I bought a Spiralizer after linking to the Inspiralized site from one of your meal plans, but I still haven’t used it. I have some zucchini just waiting for a purpose. 🙂
It’s definitely fun and yummy. Has more of an al dente quality to it than pasta, of course. But it really is a delicious way to replace pasta in most dishes. Be sure to check out Ali’s videos on how to use the spiralizer. They’re so helpful. Blessings, Kelly
http://www.inspiralized.com/video/
Just bought one through your link. Can’t wait to start using it! Thank you for all you do to provide healthy meal ideas and recipes!
Thanks for helping support The Nourishing Home with your purchase – and your kind words! I’m so excited myself. Ali has been a huge inspiration in helping me get started spiralizing. I’m excited to share one of my family’s favorite pasta recipe makeovers with you next week! Blessings, Kelly 🙂
I cannot wait to try this out! I will certainly be ordering one of these nifty gadgets
I hope you enjoy it as much as we do and I’m so glad amazon put it on sale just as this post went live. Typically they can run around $45. Blessings, Kelly 🙂
I bought one last year and loved the zucchini noodles. This was just the “inspiralization” {I just couldn’t resist that one} I needed to get that puppy out of the cabinet and have some fun! Thanks! 🙂
Hi, Dena! So glad this “inspiralized” you. LOL! Seriously though, I’m so glad that this encouraged you to break our your spiralizer! Happy zoodling! 🙂