Discover the perfect blend of flavors with this Vegan Ginger Coconut Linguini! This creamy, dreamy pasta dish combines the rich taste of coconut milk with the zingy freshness of ginger and garlic, balanced perfectly by the savory undertones of soy sauce and a hint of sesame oil. The addition of kale not only boosts the nutritional profile but also adds a delightful green vibrancy to the dish. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner, this pasta is not just a meal—it's an experience of flavors that dance on your palate!
Ingredients
- 8 oz Linguini, cooked al dente according to package directions
- 2 tablespoon Olive Oil or sesame oil
- 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Ginger, grated
- 1 can Coconut Milk (13.5 oz, full-fat or light)
- 3 cups Kale, chopped, stems removed
- 2 tablespoon Soy Sauce
- 1 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional for heat)
- ¼ cup Vegan Cheese, shredded (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice or squeeze of lime juice
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
- Salt, to taste
Steps:
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add linguini and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet or large saute pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes, until fragrant.
- Add the Kale: Add the chopped kale to the skillet and cook for about 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the kale wilts and turns a bright green.
- Prepare the Coconut Sauce: Pour in the coconut milk and soy sauce. Stir well to combine and bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Reduce to a slight simmer and allow the sauce to thicken slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
- Combine with Linguini: Add the cooked linguini to the skillet with the coconut sauce and toss well to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a few splashes of the reserved pasta cooking liquid to reach the desired consistency.
- Season and Serve: Season the pasta with red pepper flakes (if using), black pepper, and salt to taste. Stir in the lemon juice for a hint of brightness. Sprinkle with vegan cheese if desired. Serve hot, garnished with fresh green onions or fresh basil.
Variations:
- Veggie Boost: Add more veggies like red peppers, zucchini noodles, or pak choi for added nutrition and texture.
- Protein Punch: Include a plant-based protein like tofu or chickpeas to make the dish more filling.
- Spice It Up: Increase the heat by adding more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha.
Substitutions:
- Linguini: Substitute with any pasta of choice, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
- Coconut Milk: Use almond milk or soy milk for a lighter sauce, or add a few tablespoons of coconut cream for an extra creamy texture.
- Kale: Swiss chard or spinach can be used in place of kale for a slightly different flavor and texture.
- Soy Sauce: Substitute with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free alternative.
FAQ:
- Can I make this dish gluten-free? Absolutely! Simply use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles to make this dish gluten-free.
- How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or coconut milk to loosen the sauce.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, cook the pasta fresh and toss it in the reheated sauce.
Top Tip:
To bring out the full flavor of the ginger and garlic, be sure to sauté them just until fragrant and not burnt. This will give your sauce an utterly amazing flavor without any bitterness.
Hint:
If you want to save time on busy weeknights, prep your ingredients ahead of time. Chop the kale, onions, garlic, and ginger in advance and store them in a small bowl or airtight container in the fridge. This will help you whip up this delectable green linguini in no time!
Enjoy this Vegan Ginger Coconut Linguini for a delicious, nutritious, and satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion.
Vegan Ginger Coconut Linguini
Ingredients
- 8 oz Linguini cooked al dente according to package directions
- 2 tablespoon Olive Oil or sesame oil or vegan butter
- 1 medium Onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Ginger grated
- 1 can Coconut Milk 13.5 oz, full-fat or light
- 3 cups Kale chopped, stems removed
- 2 tablespoon Soy Sauce
- 1 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes optional for heat
- ¼ cup Vegan Cheese shredded (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice or squeeze of lime juice
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add linguini and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet or large saute pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes, until fragrant.
- Add the Kale: Add the chopped kale to the skillet and cook for about 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the kale wilts and turns a bright green.
- Prepare the Coconut Sauce: Pour in the coconut milk and soy sauce. Stir well to combine and bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Reduce to a slight simmer and allow the sauce to thicken slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
- Combine with Linguini: Add the cooked linguini to the skillet with the coconut sauce and toss well to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a few splashes of the reserved pasta cooking liquid to reach the desired consistency.
- Season and Serve: Season the pasta with red pepper flakes (if using), black pepper, and salt to taste. Stir in the lemon juice for a hint of brightness. Sprinkle with vegan cheese if desired. Serve hot, garnished with fresh green onions or fresh basil.