How to Make Delicious Vegan Pasta Carbonara

Vegan pasta carbonara is a dish that has gained immense popularity among health-conscious food lovers and vegans alike. This rich and creamy dish is usually made with eggs, which makes it unsuitable for those following a vegan diet. However, with this easy-to-follow recipe, you can enjoy the flavors of classic carbonara without any animal products.

The cooking time for this recipe is approximately 20 minutes, and it serves four people. Let's dive into how you can make this scrumptious pasta dish at home!

Ingredients

• 12 ounces (340 grams) of whole wheat or spelt pasta
• 1 cup (250 grams) of almond milk
• 1/2 cup (70 grams) of nutritional yeast flakes
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Start by boiling a large pot of water. Add salt to the water as this will season your pasta.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the almond milk and nutritional yeast flakes until well combined. Set aside.
3. Heat up a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and sauté garlic for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant but not browned. Remove from heat.
4. Boil your pasta in the salted water until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain the pasta but save some of the cooking water; you will need this later when preparing the sauce.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the almond milk and nutritional yeast mixture. Stir gently while slowly incorporating about 1/2 cup of pasta water at a time until you achieve your desired creamy consistency.
6. Add the sautéed garlic, thyme, and olive oil to the pasta mixture. Stir well so all strands are covered evenly.
7. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
8. Serve immediately while it's still warm.

Why This Recipe is Perfect for Vegans

The key ingredient in this recipe that makes it vegan-friendly is nutritional yeast flakes. Nutritional yeast is a deactivated yeast used primarily as a food additive to add a nutty, cheesy flavor and a nutrient boost to dishes.

Nutritional yeast is not only rich in B vitamins but also contains essential amino acids like methionine which your body cannot produce on its own. Incorporating this into your diet can help ensure you're meeting all the necessary dietary requirements for a vegan lifestyle.

Additional Tips and Tricks

• If you prefer more of a creamier texture, add additional almond milk gradually until you reach the desired consistency.
• You can also experiment with different herbs or spices to suit your personal taste preferences. Try adding some black pepper, paprika, or even red pepper flakes for an extra kick!
• This dish pairs wonderfully well with a side of fresh vegetables and a crisp salad. Serve it on its own as a main course or as part of a larger meal.

Vegan pasta carbonara is not just about the taste; it's also about the satisfaction you get from knowing that you're eating something both delicious and nutritious. With this recipe, you can enjoy all the best parts of carbonara without any of the drawbacks!

Conclusion

Cooking vegan pasta carbonara at home is easy when following a simple yet effective recipe. The dish is rich in flavor thanks to the combination of almond milk and nutritional yeast, providing a satisfying and creamy texture reminiscent of traditional carbonara.

If you're looking for an alternative that allows you to enjoy this beloved Italian classic while staying true to your vegan lifestyle, give this recipe a try. It's sure to become one of your go-to dishes!