Vegan Shiitake Mushroom Pasta
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
25 mins
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Total Time
35 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
380 kcal
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Course
Side Dish, Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Vegan Shiitake Mushroom Pasta
Description
The recipe begins by cooking pasta according to package instructions. Separately, a creamy vegan sauce is prepared by blending raw sunflower seeds with water, garlic, and salt to a smooth consistency before adding arrowroot starch for thickening. This nut-free cream alternative creates a rich base without dairy.
Sautéed shallots and sliced shiitake mushrooms are cooked in vegan butter and olive oil until softened, then garlic and soy sauce are added to deepen the flavor. Dry white wine reduces in the pan, contributing a tart, crisp note to the sauce. The blended sunflower seed cream is incorporated and cooked until it thickens, creating a velvety texture. A splash of lemon juice is added last to balance the flavors.
The sauce coats the cooked pasta, making a satisfying vegan version of a creamy mushroom pasta. Optional crispy sage leaves, fried in olive oil, add a crispy texture and herbal aroma when sprinkled over the finished dish. This pasta holds well in the refrigerator for several days but is not recommended for freezing. Adjustments in nut content or starch type can be made to fit dietary needs or ingredient availability.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta dry, of choice
- 1¼ cups water
- ¼ cup sunflower seeds see Notes, raw
- 5 cloves garlic mince 4 cloves and leave one whole, peeled
- 1 teaspoon salt fine sea salt
- 2 teaspoons arrowroot or corn starch
- 2 Tablespoons vegan butter
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 2 large shallot chopped
- 10 ounces shiitake mushrooms stems removed, sliced
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce or tamari
- ½ cup white wine a crisp and tart variety like Sauvignon Blanc, dry
- black pepper to taste
- queeze of lemon juice
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted water according to package directions, then drain.
- In a high-speed blender combine the water, sunflower seeds, 1 whole clove of garlic, and salt. Blend on high until completely smooth. Add the starch, and blend for another 30 to 45 seconds. Set aside.
- Preheat a large saute pan over medium heat. Add the butter and olive oil, and swirl the pan to coat. Cook the shallots and shiitake mushrooms for about 5 minutes or until softened. Add the garlic and soy sauce, and cook for a few more minutes or until the mushrooms are tender and no longer sizzling. Add the wine and bring to a simmer. Cook for several minutes or until the wine has reduced by about half.
- Pour the blended sunflower cream sauce into the pan, and season with black pepper. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes or until thickened and creamy. Add a squeeze of lemon juice, stir well, and taste for seasoning. Add more lemon, salt, and pepper as desired. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of water.
- Toss the cooked pasta in the shiitake cream sauce and serve hot.
Notes
- If you do not have a high-speed blender, soak sunflower seeds in hot water for 1-2 hours before blending to soften them.
- You can strain the blended sauce through a nut milk bag for a smoother texture before adding it to the pan.
- Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; freezing is not recommended.
- For gluten-free pasta, select your preferred certified gluten-free pasta and use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- If nuts are acceptable, substitute ⅓ cup cashews for sunflower seeds and omit the starch for a similar creamy sauce.
- Add greens such as spinach, kale, or small broccoli florets while sautéing the mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
- For added protein, include cooked white beans, lentils, seitan, or baked tofu to make it a more filling entree.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 380 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 380kcal | 19% |
| Carbohydrates | 52g | 17% |
| Protein | 11g | 22% |
| Fat | 12g | 18% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.