St. Joseph's Pasta with Breadcrumbs

Happy feast of St. Joseph! In some places, especially in Italy, St. Joseph's Day is a huge celebration with special foods and traditions. Since St. Joseph's feast falls during Lent, all the special foods associated with it are meatless. Pastries are very popular for the feast of St. Joseph, so go ahead and have a sweet treat today! Another traditional food is Pasta di San Giuse, a pasta topped with breadcrumbs to represent sawdust, as St. Joseph was a carpenter. It is traditionally made with sardines, but I decided not to go that way. Instead I mixed some pasta with delicious vegetables, and lots of olive oil and garlic. Yum! I figured that for the symbolism the breadcrumb topping was more important than the seasoning of the noodles. In addition to our dinner we will read the book St. Joseph's Story by Geraldine Guadagno.

Today of course is also very special for another reason; the installation Pope Francis! Just as St. Joseph loved and protected the Holy Family, Pope Francis loves and protects the Church.

"How does Joseph exercise his role as protector? Discreetly, humbly and silently, but with an unfailing presence and utter fidelity, even when he finds it hard to understand."
- Pope Francis 

St. Joseph's Pasta with Breadcrumbs

Pasta:

1 box of spaghetti

1 bunch of rainbow chard, or other dark leafy green - chopped (kale, turnip greens, other kinds of chard, etc.) With chard you can include the stems, they add a nice pop of color too! For most other greens do not use the stems.

1 red bell pepper - chopped

garlic

olive oil

salt

 1. Bring salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti

2.  On medium - medium high heat saute the chard and bell pepper in olive oil and garlic until tender

3. Drain cooked spaghetti. Return to pot or large serving bowl.

4. Mix the cooked vegetables with the spaghetti. Season with more garlic and some salt if desired.

Topping (This makes enough for a large family to share!):

1 cup breadcrumbs

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 Tbsp olive oil

1 Tbsp dried basil or 2 Tbsp fresh basil

1. In a pan mix together breadcrumbs, cheese, and olive oil.  

2. Cook on medium - medium high heat until the breadcrumbs start to turn golden brown. About 3 minutes. 

3. Take off heat and mix in basil.

Put on top of spaghetti and enjoy!

Prayer to St. Joseph for Protection

 Gracious St. Joseph, protect me and my family from all evil as you did the Holy Family. Kindly keep us ever united in the love of Christ, ever fervent in imitation of the virtue of our Blessed Lady, your sinless spouse, and always faithful in devotion to you. Amen.