cabbage pasta

Overview

Time: 35 minutes
Dishes: large pot, medium pot

Hello, hello Dear Readers!

This dish is one of our family's favorite. In fact, I fondly remember my mother making it for me when I was younger. It is practically a staple in the house, so it was a bit challenging to write a recipe for it, since it comes so naturally to us. 

This is a simple dish that makes perfect use of  a head of cabbage. It is slow cooked over 20 minutes to get it soft, tender and flavorful. It calls for a ton of black pepper, but if you grind it fresh, go a bit easier. Add it to your taste, but remember that the authentic Hungarian way is to use a bit more than is probably healthy. 

Heat your pot and add the cabbage as you slice it. This is the fastest way of doing it. Use a knife in lieu of a food processor because the processor either chops it too fine or not fine enough. Think of it as therapy.

Toss it with as much pasta as you like, but I keep it to 12 ounce of pasta for a small to medium size head of cabbage - either purple or green.

My apologies for missing last week's post. I was at UC Davis where my eldest daughter was celebrating her commencement with a Bachelor's in Neurobiology, Magna Kum Laude. I wanted to post, but the drive up there tired me out. 

If you need inspiration for your weekly menu, check out ours HERE.

Enjoy!

Speedy Cooking Tips:

• Start the water for the pasta.
• 
  

 

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Cabbage Pasta

Makes 4 servings 

weekday

www.ZsusVeganPantry.com

12 ounces fusilli or rotini pasta

1 tablespoon oil

1 bell pepper, chopped

1 medium onion, sliced

3 cloves garlic, minced 

1 small head cabbage, cored and thinly sliced

1 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons black pepper

1. Pasta: Cook the pasta in a medium pot of salted boiling water, until   al dente. Drain the pasta, return to the pot:

2. Vegetables: Add the oil, bell pepper, onion and garlic to a large pot over medium heat. Add the cabbage as it is sliced. Once all the cabbage is added, cook, covered, and stir as needed, until tender, about 20 minutes. Season to taste with salt and black pepper. Add a few tablespoons of water, as needed:

3. Combine: Add the drained Pasta to the tender Cabbage. Toss well and serve. 

 

© 2021 Copyright Zsu Dever. All rights reserved.

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vegan vegetarian meatless plant-based

primavera alfredo pasta

Overview

Time: 30 minutes
Dishes: 2 medium pots, large skillet, blender

Hello, hello Dear Readers!

One of my all-time favorite pasta dishes is Primavera Alfredo, complete with plenty of vegetables (or fruits - oh, the semantics) and creamy sauce. I have this recipe in my book Everyday Vegan Eats, but I wanted to put an easier twist on it -- if that's possible.

This dish took me 30 minutes to make. The recipe calls for 1 cup of cauliflower, broccoli or another vegetable, so I used fresh peas. If you are using peas (fresh or frozen, partly-thawed), add them when you are adding the sauce. The hot sauce will cook the peas without overcooking them.

The beauty of this sauce recipe is that the blended cashews thicken the sauce as it cooks. There is no added thickeners and it does not need it. The sauce is flavored simply with nutritional yeast, garlic and salt. If you'd like to add some grated vegan parm at the end, by all means do it, although it doesn't need it; I added some for the photo.

If you don't have a high-speed blender, blend the nuts and set the blender aside for 5 minutes to allow the pieces to absorb some of the water. Then blend until smooth. This will blend your nuts smoother, while keeping your blender from melting down.

You can also add some chopped sautéed vegan chicken-style strips, if you happen to have some that needs using up, but, again, that is completely extra.

Creamy, garlicy, cheesy and full of vegetables - I adore this pasta meal.

If you need inspiration for your weekly menu, check out ours HERE.

Enjoy!

Speedy Cooking Tips:

• Gather your ingredients.
• Start heating the water for the pasta.
• If using a standard blender, blend the nuts and set them aside before blending until smooth.
• Use  a lid to cook the vegetables. Add a tablespoon of olive oil, if desired.

(Printer-friendly doesn't seem to be so friendly. Just select the text between the arrows (including the white space to add margin on the top), right-click, select Print, and now it's printer-friendly. Can also be saved as PDF:  choose Save as PDF in Destination drop-down, instead of a printer.)

Primavera Alfredo Pasta

Makes 4 servings 

weekday

www.ZsusVeganPantry.com

8 ounces linguine or other pasta

1 large carrot, sliced

1 small summer squash, sliced

1 cup broccoli, cauliflower or other vegetable

1/2 bell pepper, sliced

2 cups water

1 1/4 cups raw cashews

3 tablespoons nutritional yeast flakes

1 garlic clove

1/2 teaspoon salt

1. Pasta: Cook the pasta in a medium pot of salted boiling water, until   al dente. Drain the pasta, return to the pot:

2. Vegetables: Add the carrot, squash, broccoli and pepper to a large skillet over medium heat. Cook, covered, and stir as needed, until tender, about 10 minutes. Add a few tablespoons of water, as needed.

3. Sauce: Blend the water, cashews, nutritional yeast, garlic and salt until very smooth. Add the sauce to a medium pot and bring to a simmer to thicken, about 5 minutes.

4. Combine: add the Sauce and Pasta to the Vegetables in the skillet. Mix well and season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve.

 

© 2021 Copyright Zsu Dever. All rights reserved.

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vegan vegetarian meatless plant-based

ratatouille pasta

 

Overview

Time: 55 minutes 
Dishes: large skillet, medium pot

Hello, hello Dear Readers!

When my son told me that he had a hankering for Ratatouille, I thought - great, I can make that. 

Then he told me he had made it before - the authentic way, and I thought - hey, I can do that. 

Then he told me it took him 3 hours to make, and I thought - yeah, um, no.  

Although I agree with him wholeheartedly that Ratatouille should be made properly - cooked so that all the vegetables sing in harmony but each keep their integrity; not be overcooked but be properly cooked to perfection. However, I could not devote 3 hours to it. 

After preparing the dish, while complaining that it was not layered properly in thinly cut disks, he managed to keep shoveling the pasta into his mouth, so I will follow his actions and not so much listen to his gripes. In the meantime, my husband was head down into the bowl of pasta and by the time I got back to the kitchen there were only a few lingering squash pieces left in the pan. 

In order to cook the dish properly, you have to cook it in stages, very much like the Hungarian Lecso or the Spanish Sofrito. Only after the current layer is partly cooked, do you add the next ingredient. The ratatouille is then braised in broth and finally baked in the oven.

It sounds complicated, but take a look at the recipe - it is easy to prepare and the instructions are clear. 

Don't miss out.     

If you need inspiration for your weekly menu, check out ours HERE.

Enjoy!

Speedy Cooking Tips:

• Gather the ingredients.
• Chop the onion first and add to the  pan.
• Then mince the garlic and add it. 
• Chop the squash and eggplant while the onion cooks.
• Chop the tomato while the squash cooks.
• Cook the pasta while the ratatouille bakes.
• Save some cooking pasta water in case the ratatouille is too dry, but it shouldn't be needed.

(Printer-friendly doesn't seem to be so friendly. Just select the text between the arrows (including the white space to add margin on the top), right-click, select Print, and now it's printer-friendly. Can also be saved as PDF:  choose Save as PDF in Destination drop-down, instead of a printer.)

Ratatouille Pasta

www.ZsusVeganPantry.com

Makes 4 servings 

weekday/weekend

Preheat oven to 400-F

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 large onion, diced

1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes 

6 garlic cloves, minced

3 medium summer squash (18 ounces), cut into 1-inch dice

1 medium eggplant (14 ounces), cut into 1-inch dice

2 medium tomatoes (15 ounces), chopped

3 tablespoons tomato paste

1 1/4 cup vegetable broth

12 ounces pasta 

1/4 cup minced parsley 

1. Onion: Heat the oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add onion and chili flakes and garlic. Cook until the onion is golden, covered, about 8 minutes. Stir as needed.  

2. Squash: Add the squash and eggplant to the Onion. Cook until squash is starting to brown, 4 minutes. Stir as needed.   

3. Tomato: Add the tomato and paste to the Onion. Mix well. Cook until the paste is browning, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.    

4. Broth and Bake: Add the broth to the Onion. Bring to boil and reduce to simmer. Cover and cook for 10 minutes while you preheat the oven to 400-F. Uncover and transfer to oven. Bake for 25 minutes. Alternately, transfer to an oven-safe dish to bake.  

5. Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside. 

6. Serve: Remove from the oven and stir in the parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning. Toss with Pasta. Serve.       

© 2021 Copyright Zsu Dever. All rights reserved.

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vegan vegetarian meatless plant-based

one pot chili mac - dump dinner

  

Overview

Time: 30 minutes
Dishes: large pot or large skillet

Hello, hello Dear Readers!

As promised, another meatless, vegetarian and vegan dump dinner. It makes complete sense to make this dish as a dump dinner, as long as you keep an eye on the pasta to not over cook. Mine did, but I'm not sure I mind in a 30 minute meal. If this is important to you, just check on it periodically. The pasta should be al dente when the spinach and cheese are added (if using).

This was ready fast. I tend to like casserole dishes with lots of vegan cheese, so I was a happy diner. If you don't like vegan cheese, skip it! 

I love how fast this came together. I didn't have to make a separate batch of chili to have this ready and it was delicious. You can tweak it with more spices or heat, but the base is easy and simple. 

If you need inspiration for your weekly menu, check out ours HERE.

Enjoy!

Speedy Cooking Tips:

• Gather your ingredients.
• Add the frozen grounds to the pan before you chop the onion. Use a lid.
• Add the pasta and stir well before adding the broth. This will keep the pasta separate to cook properly. 
• I used water with a few teaspoons of broth mix or vegetable bullion. 
• Test the pasta after 7 minutes to avoid overcooking. It should be al dente before the spinach and cheese gets added, if using.

 

(Printer-friendly doesn't seem to be so friendly. Just select the text between the arrows (including the white space to add margin on the top), right-click, select Print, and now it's printer-friendly. Can also be saved as PDF:  choose Save as PDF in Destination drop-down, instead of a printer.)

One Pot Chili Mac

www.ZsusVeganPantry.com

Makes 4 servings 

weekday

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 onion, diced

2 garlic cloves, minced

3 cups (about 1 bag) frozen grounds

12 ounces elbow pasta 

4 cups vegetable broth

1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained

1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained

2 teaspoons chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 (5-ounce) bag baby spinach (optional)

1 cup vegan shredded yellow or orange cheese (optional)

1. Protein: Add the oil to a large pot or skillet, over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic and grounds. Cover and cook until the onion is golden, about 5 minutes. Stir as needed. 

2. Pasta: Add the pasta to the Protein and stir well to coat the pasta evenly. 

3. Beans and Broth: Add the broth, beans, tomato, chili powder, cumin, and salt to the Pasta. Stir well. Bring to boil and reduce to simmer. Cover and cook until the pasta is tender, about 10 minutes.

4. Spinach and Cheese (optional): Stir in the spinach. Mix well to wilt. Add the vegan cheese, cover and cook until the cheese melts, about 5 minutes. Serve. 

© 2020 Copyright Zsu Dever. All rights reserved.

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vegan vegetarian meatless plant-based

one pot tetrazzini

Overview

Time: 55 minutes
Dishes: large oven-safe skillet  

Hello, hello Dear Readers!

Although I wouldn't classify this dish as a Dump Dinner, since you actively have to attend to it, it certainly is a One Pot meal and where pasta is concerned, that has a whole lot of appeal on its own. Not having to cook the pasta in a separate pot is definitely a bonus.

This vegan, vegetarian and meatless dish features pasta, peas and protein in a creamy sauce. The pasta is baked with breadcrumbs and some optional nondairy cheese, so there is an element of crunch to the dish. It is savory, delicious and very easy to make. It take about 30 minutes to bake - which is where the long cooking time is.

I used Savory Tofu in this recipe, which you can make and store for up to 5 days and it easily doubles, but you are welcome to use sautéed Gardein scaloppini, seitan or just more mushrooms. As always, the biggest punch of protein is up to you (all plants have protein; it only depends on how much protein).

I have this old-familiar, large skillet that can go from stove to oven, so I recommend you use something similar, but you can always transfer the skillet ingredients to an oven-safe dish when it comes time to bake it.

NOTE: make sure you use unsweetened nondairy milk, otherwise the dish will be overly sweet.

NEW TO PLANT-BASED EATING? Get my free zines and check out the wrap-up of Fall 2020 recipes HERE. Great way to set yourself up for success!

Enjoy!

Speedy Cooking Tips:

• Gather your ingredients.
• Preheat the oven as needed (you know how long your oven takes to preheat).
• Add the mushrooms to the heated skillet as it is sliced.
• Slice the onions after the mushrooms are in the skillet.
• Use a spatula to mix the flour as you add the milk; a whisk will get clogged up.

 

(Printer-friendly doesn't seem to be so friendly. Just select the text between the arrows (including the white space to add margin on the top), right-click, select Print, and now it's printer-friendly. Can also be saved as PDF:  choose Save as PDF in Destination drop-down, instead of a printer.)

One Pot Tetrazzini

www.ZsusVeganPantry.com

Makes 4 to 6 servings 

moderate

Preheat oven to 450-F

1. Mushrooms: Add the oil to a large skillet (oven-safe, if possible) over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms, onion, garlic, thyme and 1 teaspoon salt. Cook until golden, about 8 minutes. Stir as needed. 

1 tablespoon olive oil 

8 ounces sliced mushrooms

1 small onion, sliced

5 garlic cloves, minced

2 teaspoons thyme

2. Flour: Add the flour and broth mix to the Mushrooms and stir well. Cook for 1 minute.    

5 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon Easy Savory Broth Mix or 2 teaspoons Better Than Bouillon   

3. Liquid: Add the milk and water to the Mushrooms, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring well. Bring sauce to simmer, about 4 minutes.   

4 cups unsweetened, plain nondairy milk 

1 cup water

4. Pasta: Add the pasta and peas; stir well. If the skillet is not oven-safe, transfer to a 9x13 baking pan. Bake covered for 20 minutes.   

12 ounces pasta (penne, rigatoni, etc.)

1 recipe (about 2 1/2 cups) Savory Tofu or equivalent (like seitan)  

1 cup peas 

5. Uncover the Pasta, sprinkle it with the breadcrumbs and cheese, if using. Bake until the breadcrumbs are golden, about 10 minutes. Serve.   

1/2 cup breadcrumbs, regular or panko

1/2 cup nondairy parmesan or white cheese (optional)  

© 2021 Copyright Zsu Dever. All rights reserved.

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