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The Ultimate Dairy-Free Comfort Food: Vegan Stuffed Shells! – vegetarian recipe
Stav Kogan

The Ultimate Dairy-Free Comfort Food: Vegan Stuffed Shells!

This game-changing vegan stuffed shells recipe transforms tofu into a luxurious, ricotta-like filling. Poached garlic, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and white miso create a 'cheese' that's a star in its own right. Baked in a bubbling tomato sauce, these shells are the ultimate
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 343

Ingredients
  

  • For the Tofu-Miso Filling
  • 1 16-oz / 450g (15.9 oz) block firm tofu, drained, rinsed, and patted dry
  • 12 cloves garlic, peeled and thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup (60 ml / 2 fl oz) olive oil
  • 2 Tbs / 30ml (1 fl oz) unpasteurized apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tsp (10 ml) lemon juice
  • 2 tsp (10 g / 0.35 oz) white miso
  • 5 oz (140 g) baby spinach leaves
  • For Assembly
  • 6 oz (170 g) jumbo pasta shells
  • 1 24-oz / 680g (24 oz) jar prepared pasta sauce
  • 2 Tbs / 30g (1.06 oz) chopped Kalamata olives, optional
  • 2 Tbs / 30g (1.06 oz) chopped green olives, optional
  • For the creamiest filling, press your tofu for at least 30 minutes before using. This removes excess water and allows it to better absorb the flavors of the garlic oil and miso.
  • The tofu-spinach filling can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This makes assembly quick and easy on a busy night.
  • For an extra layer of 'cheesy' flavor, add 2-3 tablespoons (45 ml / 1.5 fl oz) of nutritional yeast to the tofu mixture when blending.

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F / 190°C.
  2. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package directions, aiming for al dente.
  3. Drain, rinse with cool water, and drain again. Lay the shells on a clean kitchen towel to cool and dry completely.
  4. While the pasta cooks, bring the sliced garlic and olive oil to a gentle simmer in a small skillet over medium heat. Immediately reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15 minutes, or until the garlic is soft, fragrant, and golden.
  5. Remove from heat and set aside.
  6. Crumble the drained and patted-dry tofu into the bowl of a food processor.
  7. Add the apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and white miso.
  8. Pour in the entire contents of the skillet—the poached garlic and the infused olive oil.
  9. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
  10. Transfer to a medium bowl.
  11. Heat a large saucepan over medium heat.
  12. Add the spinach and 2 Tbs. water, and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the leaves are just wilted.
  13. Transfer the wilted spinach to a strainer and use the back of a spoon to press out all excess liquid. Roughly chop the spinach and stir it into the tofu mixture.
  14. Carefully spoon about 2 tablespoons (30 ml / 1 fl oz) of the spinach and tofu filling into each cooked pasta shell.
  15. Arrange the filled shells in a single layer in a large baking dish.
  16. Pour the prepared pasta sauce evenly over the shells. If using, sprinkle the chopped Kalamata and green olives on top.
  17. Bake for 45 minutes, or until the sauce is hot and bubbling throughout.
  18. Let the dish stand for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly.

Nutrition

Calories: 343kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 13gFat: 14g

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