saucy basil and bok choy pasta

Overview

Time: 40 minutes
Dishes: large bowl, large skillet, medium pot, small blender, air-fryer (optional)

Hello, hello Dear Readers!

Today's meatless, vegetarian and vegan dish is a relatively easy to make, but since the ingredients hit 13 and there are 2 pans called for, plus a blender, I am labeling this as moderate. Still, my cooking time was reasonable and since it includes protein and vegetables, no other sides are required.

The pasta dish is saucy and slightly sweet, and if you choose, slightly spicy, which adds to the dimensions so don't fear the spice! 

Vegetables are carrots and bok choy, but there's no reason that peppers, kale or cabbage couldn't take their place. In fact, use what you have!

Speedy Cooking Tips:

• Get all the ingredients out and the pots and pans prepared.
• Put the pasta water on first.
• Press the tofu for 5 minutes.
• Blend the Onion Paste while the water heats and tofu presses.
• Chop the tofu and begin frying it.
• Chop and cook the vegetables while the pasta and tofu cook.

 

Saucy Basil and Bok Choy Pasta

Makes 4 servings 

1. Pasta: Cook the pasta in a medium pot of salted boiling water, 2 minutes shy of al dente:

12 ounces pasta, fettucini, spaghetti, etc

2. Crispy Tofu: Press and cut the tofu into 3/4 -inch cubes. Toss with the cornstarch and spray with oil. Air-fry for 15-20 minutes (425 F) or pan-fry in 1 tablespoon oil:

16 ounces tofu

1/4 cup cornstarch

3. Cooking Sauce: mix all the ingredients in a bowl until sugar dissolves. Set aside. 

2 cups vegetable broth

1/4 vegetarian fish sauce

3 tablespoons brown sugar

3 tablespoons lime juice

 4. Onion Paste: blend all the ingredients in a small blender and set aside: 

1/2 small onion

3 garlic cloves

5. Stir Fry Vegetables: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add:

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 cup sliced carrots

5 baby bok choy

6. Remove the vegetables and set aside. To the skillet add the Onion Paste and cook until browned. Add the Cooking Sauce and the semi-cooked Pasta and cook until the pasta is tender and the broth is mostly evaporated or thickened. 

7. Serve: Add the Stir Fry Vegetables and basil to the dish. Mix well. Serve with the Crispy Tofu. Serve with chili crisp or Sriracha, if desired.

2 ounces basil (Thai or regular), torn

Sriracha or Chili Crisp (optional)

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