Angel Hair With Greens & Vegan Protein

Hearty Nutcase Vegan Loaf crumbled, sautéed & paired with angel hair pasta. This recipe is somewhat like that of the Pasta Primavera, using fresh garlic, fresh herbs like fresh basil and lemon zest. A simple vegan recipe perfect for the whole family.

About Nutcase Vegan

This pasta dish will truly nourish and delight. We bring out the aromas and sweetness of leeks and Brussel sprouts. I ’am almost at the end of my Huge mirin bottle. I’ve been fond of deglazing each and every meal I cook. It is a pretty cool technique that comes in handy. Deglazing is a cooking technique that involves adding liquid such as stock or wine in this case mirin (sweet rice wine) to a pan to loosen the food particles attached to the bottom from cooking or searing resulting in a flavorful residue. Use this technique in your daily cooking to add that exquisite flavor in your daily creations.

Nutcase Vegan Story

We were dedicated locavores; after viewing Food Inc, our daughter announced she was a vegetarian from that day forward. Andrew is a talented cook so he devoted his culinary talents to vegetarian, dairy-free cooking.  We began looking at prepared protein sources; we wanted a whole foods & nutrient dense product. We put our heads together to create a flavorful "meat" while avoiding pro-inflammatory foods. Our products are gluten-free, soy-free, and filler-free. 

At Nutcase Vegan Meats, we are committed to creating the highest quality organic, kosher, non-GMO foods for you to enjoy!

I found them through Shaman Durek’s Podcast Ancient wisdoms. It’s a pretty interesting podcast and a good resource of positivity.

In this recipe I used Nutcase Vegan loaf which added a lot of flavor and heartiness to our dish. Their products are versatile, tasty and nutritious.  I highly recommend them.

Variations

Sauté any greens and produce with a hefty amount of olive oil. As flavor booster, you can use white miso instead of pesto. What about cooked lentils or mushroom bacon if you don’t have vegan meats on hand. There’s a variety of vegan cheeses too to top it off. There’s nothing more comforting than a big pot of pasta. Make sure it’s seasoned well though.

What you need

• Aromatics; Onions & Garlic
• Greens; Kale, Brussel Sprouts
• Nutcase Vegan Meat
• Olive Oil
• Angel Hair pasta
• Pesto
• lemons

What you do

• Cook Angel Hair pasta
• Sauté aromatics
• Throw in Nutcase Vegan
• Season to taste and toss in drained pasta noodles
• Mix in pesto
• Garnish with vegan cheese and herbs

Variations

1. Gluten-Free Option: Swap the angel hair pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Brown rice pasta or quinoa pasta can work well while maintaining a light texture.
2. Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or fresh chopped chilies to the olive oil while sautéing the garlic for a spicy variation.
3. Creamy Touch: Stir in a dollop of vegan cream cheese or cashew cream towards the end for a creamy, rich version of this dish. Adding garlic butter will give it a creamy effect! Nutritional yeast will add a cheesy flavor to this! A great way to to elevate this delicious vegan dinner!
4. Mediterranean Twist: Incorporate ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, red bell pepper, yellow squash, fresh snow peas and artichoke hearts to give this vegan pasta dish a Mediterranean flair.
5. Mushroom Lovers: Add sautéed mushrooms like shiitake or cremini to the mix, enhancing the umami flavor profile.

Substitutions

1. Angel Hair Pasta: If you're out of angel hair pasta, thin spaghetti or capellini can be used as a substitute, maintaining a similar texture and cooking time.
2. Vegan Meat: Swap vegan meat with lentils or chickpeas for a protein-rich alternative that still provides a satisfying bite.
3. Greens: Kale, spinach, or even collard greens can replace the usual greens, depending on what’s in season or available.
4. Olive Oil: Avocado oil or coconut oil can be used in place of olive oil, offering a slightly different flavor and health benefits.
5. Fresh Herbs: If fresh basil isn’t available, dried basil or a mix of dried Italian herbs can be used to maintain the flavor profile.

FAQ

1. Can I use whole wheat pasta instead of angel hair?
   • Yes, whole wheat pasta can be a healthier alternative. Just be aware that it has a slightly denser texture and a nuttier flavor.
2. What type of vegan meat works best?
   • Vegan sausage, crumbled tofu, or tempeh are excellent choices. You can also use store-bought plant-based ground meat for convenience.
3. How can I make the dish oil-free?
   • To make the dish oil-free, sauté the garlic and greens in vegetable broth or water instead of olive oil.
4. Can I prepare this dish in advance?
   • Yes, you can prepare the dish in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stove with a splash of water or vegetable broth.
5. What other vegetables can I add?
   • You can add bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and color.

Top Tip

• Reserve some pasta water: Before draining the pasta, save a cup of the starchy cooking water. Adding a bit of this water to the sauce helps it cling better to the pasta, creating a silkier texture.

Hint

• Cook pasta to al dente: To ensure the best texture, cook the pasta until it’s just al dente. This prevents it from becoming too soft, especially when mixed with the sauce and other ingredients.