With the long distance running season now at its peak, the emphasis is once again on the foods that fill and fuel. Jamaicans are lovers of their own home-grown 'carbs' particularly complex carbohydrates such as yam and sweet potato, among others. These have long been recognised as foods that contain vitamins and minerals and are rich in fibre which makes you feel full. This is good news for athletes and those who are also trying to eat healthy.

Complex Carbohydrates

For running enthusiast Karlene Jarret of the JMMB corporate team, brown rice, sweet potato, yam and pasta are among her favourite carbohydrates. She is currently preparing with her teammates to run her 11th half marathon and is a six-time entrant in the Reggae Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K. Jarret is quick to note that the annual World's Best Pasta Party at the Swept Away hotel in Negril is one of her "favourite events on marathon weekend".

On December 4, along with the 33 members of her team, they will be able to choose from a wide variety of carbohydrate-rich foods before the race on Saturday, December 5. The fare will be provided by chefs from well-known Negril hotels including Riu, Couples Swept Away, Sunset at the Palms, SuperClubs, Sandals and Margaritaville.

The following dish by Executive Chef Misja Ruijs, from Couples Negril, is always a crowd-pleaser.

Rasta Pasta

Ingredients

Extra virgin olive oil

1 large onion, julienne

1 tsp ginger, grated

5 cloves garlic, chopped

1 Red pepper, julienne

1 Yellow pepper, julienne

1 Green pepper, julienne

1/2 Cabbage, julienne

1 head broccoli, small rosettes

1lb callaloo, julienne

1lb fresh or 1 tin ackee

1pk Penne pasta, cooked

Salt and black pepper to taste

Method:

(1) Heat olive oil in a large frying pan.

(2) Sauté onion, ginger, garlic, red pepper, yellow pepper, green pepper, cabbage and broccoli for two minutes.

(3) Add salt and pepper to taste.

(4) Add the callaloo and sauté for one minute then add the cooked pasta.

(4) Add the ackee last to keep them from crumbling.

(5) Check the taste and adjust if needed.

Serves 4

Suggestions:

Rigatoni is a good substitute if penne pasta is not available.