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A Taste of Summer in a Bowl: Fresh Tomato and Herb Pasta – vegetarian recipe
Stav Kogan

A Taste of Summer in a Bowl: Fresh Tomato and Herb Pasta

Ditch the jar and create a rich, rustic sauce from scratch using beautiful Roma tomatoes, sweet bell peppers, and a classic trio of herbs. Blending the sauce creates a luxuriously smooth texture that clings perfectly to every strand of whole-grain spaghetti. It's a simple, elegan
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 serving
Calories: 324

Ingredients
  

  • 3 tablespoons (45 ml / 1.5 fl oz) olive oil
  • 1 cup (150 g / 5.3 oz) chopped onion, from 1 large onion
  • 1 cup (150 g / 5.3 oz) chopped red sweet pepper, from 1 medium pepper
  • 2 tablespoons (30 g / 1.06 oz) minced garlic, about 12 cloves
  • 6 cups (1.1 kg / 2.43 lb) chopped roma tomatoes OR four 14.5-ounce / 411g (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1/4 cup (60 g / 2.12 oz) tomato paste
  • 10 ounces (280 g / 9.9 oz) dried whole grain spaghetti or whole wheat spaghetti
  • 3 tablespoons (45 ml / 1.5 fl oz) snipped fresh basil
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml / 1 fl oz) snipped fresh oregano
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml / 0.5 fl oz) snipped fresh thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon (10 ml / 0.3 fl oz) kosher salt, plus more for pasta water
  • 1/4 teaspoon (20 ml / 0.7 fl oz) freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup (56 g / 1.98 oz) vegan Parmesan-style cheese, for serving
  • For easier cleanup, use an immersion (stick) blender directly in the saucepan to blend the sauce instead of transferring it to a traditional blender.
  • For a cheesier, nutty flavor without store-bought substitutes, sprinkle each serving with 1-2 tablespoons (30 ml / 1 fl oz) of nutritional yeast.
  • Boost the protein by simmering 1 cup (240 ml) of cooked brown or green lentils in the sauce for the last 10 minutes before blending.

Method
 

  1. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion, sweet pepper, and garlic.
  3. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened and become fragrant.
  4. Stir in the chopped tomatoes and tomato paste.
  5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
  6. Cook, uncovered, for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
  7. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a rolling boil.
  8. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente.
  9. Drain the pasta well, return it to the hot pot, and cover to keep warm.
  10. Stir the fresh basil, oregano, thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper into the tomato mixture.
  11. Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Carefully transfer the sauce to a blender in batches (or use an immersion blender directly in the pot) and process until nearly smooth.
  12. Return the blended sauce to the saucepan and warm it through over low heat.
  13. Pour the sauce over the cooked pasta and toss to combine thoroughly.
  14. Serve immediately, sprinkled generously with vegan Parmesan cheese.
  15. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic for a gentle, warming heat throughout the sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 324kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 14gFat: 10g

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