One Pot Puttanesca Alla Ali Slagle (Vegan)

If you’re looking for a delicious, easy, new recipe and satisfying meal, this Vegan One Pot Puttanesca is a simple method quick pan sauce inspired by Ali Slagle is a fantastic choice. Known for being a New York Times contributor with her uncomplicated yet high-reward recipes, Slagle author of the new cook book "I dream of sinner so you don't have to" brings her magic to this vegan take on the classic Italian dish by using Panko breadcrumbs as topping. Instead of the anchovy, we use nutritional yeast. We simplify this dish even more by using prepped olive salad from Trader Joes.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

1. Simplicity and Convenience: With minimal ingredients and a one-pot approach, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights. A healthy vegan or vegetarian dinner.
2. Bursting with Flavor: The combination of olives, tomato sauce, and garlic creates a rich, savory sauce that’s both hearty and delicious. Drizzle of olive oil is always a good idea. No need for tin of anchovies.
3. Nutritious and Satisfying: Packed with wholesome inexpensive ingredients like tomatoes and tofu ricotta, this puttanesca is not only tasty but also nutritious featuring a tomato-rich broth.
4. Vegan and Versatile: Easily adaptable to suit various dietary preferences, this dish can be customized with your favorite ingredients.
5. Toasted Panko Bread crumbs and Nutritional Yeast: Adding a crunchy, cheesy topping that elevates the overall flavor and texture of the dish.

This was inspired by my other recipe on this site, and pairs well with this amazing sidedish recipe. Contextual, in-content links are far more valuable than a group listed at the bottom of the post.

Ingredients

• Onion: Adds a sweet and savory base to the sauce.
• Garlic cloves: Essential for that classic puttanesca flavor.
• Trader Joe’s Cracked Olives: Provides a briny, salty punch that complements the tomatoes. Making one-pot pastas even easier.
• Rao’s Tomato Sauce: A rich and flavorful tomato base for the dish.
• 2 Cups of water or veg stock: Liquid to help cook the noodles.
• Sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Seasonings: Customize with your favorite herbs and spices for added depth.
• Vine Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes add texture and a burst of freshness.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing and adding richness to the sauce.
• Tofu Ricotta (Optional): Adds a creamy, protein-packed element to the dish.
• Toasted Panko Breadcrumbs: Provides a crunchy topping.
• Nutritional Yeast: Adds a cheesy, umami flavor without dairy.
• Risoni: or any small pasta or mini shells

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Saute aromatics snd tomatoes in a pan with olive oil.

2. Pour Trader Joe’s Cracked Olives.

3. Step 3: Throw in Tomato sauce and stock.

4. Step 4: Sir in Risoni

toast panko breadcrumbs with olive oil, mix in nutritional yeast

Steps

1. Prep the Ingredients: Dice the onion and garlic. Halve the vine tomatoes. Measure out the olives, tomato sauce, and seasonings.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large cast-iron skillet or medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Feel free to deglaze with red wine or sherry vinegar.
3. Build the Sauce: Add the Trader Joe’s Cracked Olives, Rao’s Tomato Sauce, halved vine tomatoes, and sugar. Stir to combine, then season with salt and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4. Cook the Pasta: In the same pot, add your pasta of choice. Pour in enough water to just cover the pasta. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium. Cook, stirring occasionally, (scraping browned bits is always a good thing) until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid, about 10-12 minutes.
5. Toast the Panko: While the pasta cooks, heat a small amount of olive oil in a separate pan over medium heat. Add the panko breadcrumbs and toast until golden brown. Stir in the nutritional yeast and set aside.
6. Finish the Dish: Once the pasta is cooked, if using, gently fold in the tofu ricotta until well distributed. Adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Serve: Spoon the pasta into bowls and top with the toasted panko until deep golden brown and nutritional yeast mixture for added crunch and flavor.

Hint: When pasta boils, turn the heat down to low. Keep stirring with a wooden spoon to avoid burning the bottom of the pan. Add liquid as needed. Season as you go! Using Soy sauce can add a complex dimension too.

Substitutions

Olives: If you don’t have Trader Joe’s Cracked Olives, use Kalamata or green olives.Tomato Sauce: Substitute Rao’s Tomato Sauce with any high-quality marinara or homemade tomato sauce.Tofu Ricotta: If tofu ricotta isn’t available, use store-bought vegan ricotta or skip it altogether.Panko Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs can be used instead of panko.Nutritional Yeast: Substitute with vegan parmesan cheese for a similar flavor.Olive Oil: Can be replaced with another vegetable oil such as sunflower or avocado oil.

Variations

1. Spicy Kick: Add a small amount of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic for a spicy version.
2. Green Addition: Stir in some ounces baby spinach or kale at the end for extra greens. Soft herb leaves are best for garnish.
3. Herbaceous Twist: Add fresh basil leaves just before serving for a burst of herbal freshness.
4. White Beans: Include white beans, sweet potatoes, sugar snap peas for added protein and texture.
5. Lemon Zest: Grate some lemon zest over the finished dish for a zesty, bright flavor.
6. Mushrooms: Sauté mushrooms with the onions for an earthy addition.

FAQ

1. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free breadcrumbs.

2. How long does this dish keep?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

3. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato sauce?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. Just cook them down until they create a sauce-like consistency.

4. What can I use instead of tofu ricotta?

You can use cashew ricotta or simply omit it if you prefer.

5. How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?

Stir the pasta occasionally as it cooks to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

6. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dish reheats well and can be portioned out for meal prep.

Related

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with Slagle's dishes [this recipe]: