Happy Friday!
Today we’re talking carbonara. Minus the eggs. I’ve tried other recipes before, and found they lacked the same mouthfeel straight-up carbonara has, and I think I’ve cracked the code.
The secret to this sauce is aquafaba. Using that mimics the feeling eggs give this sauce. Add a few other flavorings and you’re all set for a classic good time. We’re not going to go into a huge story here, just the recipe. Perfect for a quick lunch or midweek dinner. Serve with a salad on the side, and you’ve got an easy entertaining meal for friends on the weekend.
Vegan Carbonara
1 1/3 cup aquafaba
1/2 cup unsweetened plant milk
1/2 cup nutritional yeast
1/4 cup olive oil (or other neutral flavor)
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp salt (or to taste)
1/2 tsp white miso paste (optional, but highly suggested)
1/2 tsp black pepper (seems like a lot, but please feel free to use to your preference)
Heat aquafaba to simmering. Add in remaining ingredients and heat to a slow boil. Reduce back to a simmer, and allow to simmer for fifteen minutes. Add sauce to al dente pasta and continue cooking till pasta has absorbed sauce.
Tofu Pancetta
1 block of extra firm tofu, drained and pressed
2 tbsp liquid smoke
1 tbsp worcestershire sauce (vegan friendly)
1/3 cup soy sauce/tamari
black pepper to taste
2 tsp sweetener of choice (I used maple syrup)
3 tbsp oil for frying
Small dice the tofu into cubes. Mix marinade (liquid smoke, worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, sweetener, black pepper) in a shallow baking dish. Add tofu and allow to marinate for at least thirty minutes, but longer is fine. I’d say overnight if you can manage it.
Line on a baking tray and bake for 15 minutes at 375* F. Let rest for a few minutes before tossing in a skillet with reserved 3 tbsp oil, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp worcestershire sauce, and 1 tsp liquid smoke. This just seals in more flavor.
Serve with your carbonara for a bit of salty crunch with your pasta. If you don’t want to use all of the pancetta for your pasta, it works well on top of salads, and could also be used as bacon bits for potatoes.
I hope you enjoy!
salisbury.fake 