Rich, carbonara-y goodness comin’ at ya. The sauce tastes just like traditional carbonara and is super creamy thanks to the cashews. Crispy Shiitake bacon brings it all together.
Creamy Veggie Carbonara With Shiitake Bacon [Vegan, Gluten-Free]
Calories
424Serves
6-8Ingredients
For the Shiitake Bacon:
- 10-12 large Shiitake mushrooms, thinly sliced and destemmed
- 4-5 teaspoons coconut aminos
- 1/2 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
For the Cheesy Sauce:
- 1 cup cashews
- 1/2 small butternut squash
- 1 tablespoon coconut aminos
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- 2 shallots, diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a nice spicy kick)
- 1/2 cup cashew milk, or more as necessary
- Juice of one lemon
- Salt, to taste (1 teaspoon should suffice)
- Black pepper, to taste
For the Pasta:
- 1 pound spaghetti, gluten and grain-free if necessary
- 4 large handfuls spinach
- Remaining 1/2 of squash
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Preparation
- Start by peeling the butternut squash. Cube the inside, and then set the butternut squash in a steaming basket, and steam for about 15-20 minutes, or until soft.
- Whilst the squash steams, begin boiling water for the noodles in a large pot. Cook as per the package instructions. When finished, transfer the noodles to a colander.
- Meanwhile, sweat the shallots on medium-low heat until translucent. If they begin to stick, add a little bit of veggie broth or coconut oil to the pan. Once they are done, remove from heat and add to a high-speed blender.
- Once the butternut finishes steaming, add it to the blender, along with all the other Carbonara sauce ingredients, and blend on high until a creamy, thick consistency is achieved. You may need to add more almond milk as needed. Set aside.
- Marinate the sliced mushrooms in the coconut aminos, black pepper, and smoked paprika for about 15 minutes or so. Heat a medium-sized pan and add the oil once hot, followed by the marinated mushrooms. Cook for about 10-12 minutes or until dry. De-glaze with the apple cider vinegar, give the mushrooms a shake, and then turn off the heat. Leave them in the pan for a few moments and set this aside.
- Pre-heat a large skillet and add the sauce once it is warm, along with the spinach and remaining butternut cubes. Cook for about 4 or 5 minutes, stirring all the while. The sauce should thicken slightly, and once a nice, creamy, thick texture is achieved, add the noodles and stir until the noodles are well-coated.
- Garnish with the parsley and shiitakes.
Nutrional Information
Per Serving: Calories: 424 | Carbs: 70 g | Fat: 10 g | Protein: 14 g | Sodium: 402 mg | Sugar: 6 g
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AUTHOR & RECIPE DETAILS
Delicious and nutritious plant-based recipes devoid of refined-sugar, gluten, and dairy
Howdy! My name is Rita, and whole foods, plant-based nutrition is my jam. I am a certified yoga instructor, nutrition nerd, and green-smoothie addict with an insatiable appetite for creating delicious and nutritious plant-based recipes devoid of refined-sugar, gluten, and dairy. In my spare time, you can catch me singing at the top of my lungs, dancing in my kitchen, petting my dog, practicing yoga or walking outdoors, and smiling at every one I meet.
http://www.onegreenplanet.org/vegan-recipe/creamy-veggie-carbonara-shiitake-bacon-gluten-free/