Depression Pasta

A new Hyperbole and a Half post just came out. This one is kind of sad but it works out well and Allie Brosh is a true bad-ass. If you haven't read Hyperbole and a Half, hit the archives and be prepared for a lot of laughs - she's insightful, funny, and draws horribly (on purpose) but expressively and hilariously. Here's some great stories: Dogs Don't Understand Basic Concepts, Simple Dog Goes for a Joy Ride, Wolves, Scariest Story.

Sad Pasta Eater, by Allie Brosh

Her latest post is about depression. As poignant as always, if not quite as funny (because it's sad, yo). Still, one of my favorites. In it she eats pasta (and berates herself for it, that fork-grabber!). So I decided to make Depression Pasta for lunch.

In reality, the recipe for Depression Pasta should be, "in really salty water boil white spaghetti (all of it), drain, plop into large bowl, add cube of butter and bag of grated cheese, eat it all." Because, really, when you're depressed you don't really give a crap. But the worst foods for depression are over-processed refined carbs, followed by sugar, caffiene, and alcohol. Better to eat a small steak and a salad. So, I decided to make a pasta that's good for you.

Best for depression (link) are foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and protien like fish, whole grains (not enriched), fruit and vegetables

Depression Pasta

Whole grain spaghetti
Salmon fillet
1 tsp + 1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp chopped basil
1 tbsp chopped garlic
Walnut halves
Salt and/or Old Bay

Bring salted water to boil add pasta (a bunch with about the diameter of a nickle). Boil for 8 minutes. While boiling, rub salt into skin of salmon filet and lay skin-down in hot skillet with 1 tsp of olive oil. Dust top with Old Bay, add a little water to pan and cover. Turn heat down to medium and cook until the top looks done, about 5 minutes. Remove to cutting board. In same pan add remaining olive oil, basil, garlic, and walnuts (optional). Add pasta and saute, flipping a few times. Turn out on plate, slice fish and lay on top of pasta. Keep the skin on, it tastes great and lots of those omega-3s.

I had this with sliced strawberries with balsamic. I'm not depressed but still, I feel great and it was delicious and easy.

Have with a large glass of water and go for a walk. Not a cure for depression, but it'll help. Here's other things you can do: link.