Watched Jaime Olivers Family Favorite series and gave this cauliflower cheese pasta a go. Using the stalk and leaves of your favourite veg the cauliflower is the take away in this recipe, a great way to use scraps. The principle of the sauce made of cooked cauliflower with onions and plant passed milk blitzed to ultimate creaminess is what makes this special. This rustic sauce is a gem! The use of garlicky breadcrumbs rocks this dish! Find more delicious recipes at Jamie Oliverfacebook groups.
In recent years, the popularity of vegan cuisine has skyrocketed, with more and more people embracing plant-based alternatives. One such dish that has gained significant attention is Spaghetti with Vegan Cauliflower Cheese Sauce. This cheesy cauliflower-y pasta recipe aims to explore why this dish is so loved, provide a detailed recipe, suggest variations, and answer some frequently asked questions.
Why You’ll Love This
1. Health Benefits: The vegan cauliflower cheese sauce is a healthier alternative to traditional cheese sauces. Cauliflower is low in calories and packed with essential nutrients, making it a guilt-free choice.
2. Creamy and Flavorful: The cauliflower cheese sauce provides a creamy and rich texture, similar to traditional cheese sauces. It adds a delightful flavor to the spaghetti, making it a satisfying and indulgent meal.
3. Easy to Make: This recipe is simple and requires only a few ingredients. It can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it a convenient option for busy individuals or families.
What You Need
- 1 medium-sized cauliflower head (Keep the leaves)
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (such as almond or soy milk)
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 ounces of spaghetti (or any pasta of your choice)
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
What you do
1. In a pan of boiling salted water cook the spaghetti according to the packet instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
2. In the meantime, chop the cauliflower into florets and steam using medium heat them until tender.
3. In a separate large non-stick frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.
4. Add the steamed cauliflower, vegetable broth, plant-based milk, nutritional yeast, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to the pan. Stir well to combine.
5. Using a hand blender or a food processor, blend the mixture until it becomes a smooth sauce.
6. Return the cauliflower mixture to the pan and heat it gently until warmed through. Adjust consistency by adding a splash of starchy cooking water.
7. Pour the cauliflower cheese sauce over the cooked spaghetti and toss until well coated.
8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and basil are nice leaves to use. Adding dried thyme is good too!
9. Top with sauteed chopped veg (cauliflower stalks & leaves) and vegan bacon. I used Louisville Vegan Toppins. You can also use crispy breadcrumbs. Breadcrumb topping adds a certain texture if you don't have vegan bacon.
Variations
1. Add Vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value of the dish by adding sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the sauce.
2. Spicy Twist: For those who enjoy a kick of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
3. Protein Boost: Incorporate plant-based protein sources like tofu or tempeh by sautéing them separately and adding them to the dish.
Faq
1. Can I use frozen cauliflower instead of fresh? Yes, frozen cauliflower can be used as a substitute. Just make sure to thaw it before steaming.
2. Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely! Feel free to use any pasta variety you prefer, such as penne or linguine.
3. Can I make the sauce ahead of time? Yes, the sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it gently before serving.
Spaghetti with Vegan Cauliflower Cheese Sauce offers a delightful twist on a classic dish, providing a healthier and cruelty-free alternative. With its creamy texture, rich flavor, and ease of preparation, it has become a favorite among vegans and non-vegans alike. So why not give it a try and experience the deliciousness of this plant-based delight?
Jamie Oliver’s Spaghetti With Cauliflower Cheese Sauce (Vegan)
Ingredients
- 1 Whole onion
- 5 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 Head cauliflower, julienne the leaves
- 1 Cup plant milk
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- 2 Cloves garlic minced
- 1 Cup Veg stock
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1 Pack spaghetti noodles
- salt & pepper to taste
- herbs for garnish
- ¼ Cup vegan bacon
Instructions
- Start by boiling a pot of water and cooking the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
- In the meantime, chop the cauliflower into florets and steam them until tender.
- In a separate pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.
- Add the steamed cauliflower, vegetable broth, plant-based milk, nutritional yeast, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to the pan. Stir well to combine.
- Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, blend the mixture until smooth and creamy.
- Return the sauce to the pan and heat it gently until warmed through.
- Pour the cauliflower cheese sauce over the cooked spaghetti and toss until well coated.
- Serve hot, top with sauteed julienned cauliflower leaves & vegan bacon, garnished with fresh parsley or basil if desired.
