Cooking Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings:
- Serves 4
This Creamy Vegan Carbonara is a rich and satisfying pasta dish that’s perfect for a comforting meal. Made with a creamy cashew-based sauce and smoky tempeh or mushrooms, this vegan carbonara is both delicious and easy to prepare. Let’s dive into the recipe and create this delightful dish!
Ingredients:
For the Carbonara Sauce:
- 1 cup of raw cashews, soaked in hot water for at least 30 minutes
- 1 1/2 cups of unsweetened plant-based milk (such as almond or soy milk)
- 1/4 cup of nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground turmeric (optional, for color)
For the Pasta:
- 12 ounces of your favorite pasta (use gluten-free if needed)
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 package (8 ounces) of tempeh or 2 cups of sliced mushrooms
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce or tamari
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Vegan Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Carbonara Sauce
- Drain and rinse the soaked cashews.
- In a high-speed blender, combine the cashews, plant-based milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and ground turmeric (if using).
- Blend on high until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Adjust the seasoning to taste and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Tempeh or Mushrooms
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the tempeh or mushrooms, soy sauce, and smoked paprika. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tempeh or mushrooms are browned and heated through. Remove from heat.
Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Sauce
- Reduce the heat to low and pour the prepared carbonara sauce into the skillet with the tempeh or mushrooms.
- Stir well to combine and heat the sauce through.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Serve the creamy carbonara pasta hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and vegan Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Enjoy this rich and comforting dish!
Tips and Variations:
- Extra Protein: Add some cooked chickpeas or tofu for added protein.
- Different Greens: Stir in some fresh spinach or arugula for added nutrition and flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for some heat.
This Creamy Vegan Carbonara is a wonderful way to enjoy a rich and delicious meal that’s easy to make. Perfect for any occasion, this pasta is sure to become a favorite in your vegan recipe collection. Enjoy the creamy and satisfying flavors of this delightful dish. Happy cooking!
