Pasta Carbonara - Italian Comfort Food - Vegan Globe Trotter.com

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Find Comfort in Pasta Carbonara

Italians love Pasta Carbonara!

Comprised of a mixture of pasta, cheese, bacon and other fat laden ingredients, it almost creates a cholesterol surge just by looking at it.

No one quite knows the origin of this comfort food. However, most Italians know the compelling aroma and delicious flavors.

We’ve recreated this delicious authentic dish. By substituting healthier plant-based foods for the heavy animal based ones, we offer a much healthier option. But the flavors still shine through. We believe you won’t miss those calories and cholesterol!

Ingredients:

Bacon

10-12 large Shiitake mushrooms, thinly sliced and destemmed
5 teaspoons coconut aminos
1/2 tablespoon coconut oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Cheeze Sauce

1 cup cashews
1/2 small butternut squash (sweet potato will also work)
1 T coconut aminos
2.5 T nutritional yeast
2 shallots
1 clove garlic, crushed
1/2 cup almond milk
juice of one lemon
black pepper to taste

Pasta

1 pound spaghetti
12 oz spinach
Remaining 1/2 of squash (or another sweet potato)
Fresh parsley, chopped

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Directions:

Create the Sauce and pasta

Peel the butternut squash. Remove seeds. Cube the inside and steam for about 15-20 minutes, or until soft.
While the squash steams, boil water for the noodles in a large pot. Cook according to package instructions. Drain the noodles in a colander.
Sauté the shallots on medium-low heat until translucent. If needed, add a little bit of veggie broth or coconut oil to the pan. When done, remove from heat and put into a blender.
Once the butternut finishes steaming, add half of the cubes to the blender, along with all the other Carbonara sauce ingredients, and blend on high until a creamy, thick consistency is achieved. Add more almond milk as needed. Set aside.

Create the Bacon

Marinate the sliced mushrooms in the coconut aminos, black pepper, and smoked paprika for at least 15 minutes.
Heat a medium-sized pan. Add oil, then the marinated mushrooms.
Cook for about 10-12 minutes or until dry.
De-glaze with the apple cider vinegar, give shake the mushrooms to mix.
Remove from heat. Leave them in the pan, set aside.

Assemble the Pasta Carbonara

Pre-heat a large skillet.
Add the sauce.
Add the spinach and remaining butternut cubes.
Cook for about 4 or 5 minutes, stirring constantly. The sauce should thicken slightly.
When thickened, add the noodles and stir until well-coated.
Plate, then garnish with bacon and parsley

Italian Cuisine