As the sun bathes the world in its warm, golden glow and vibrant blossoms adorn every corner, one thing becomes abundantly clear: summer has arrived in all its glory.
With the allure of sandy beaches and outdoor adventures calling our names, the last thing we desire is to be confined to the kitchen, labouring over elaborate meals.
But fear not, for I bring forth a delicious solution in this post – my ultimate go-to vegan pasta recipe: the tantalizing vegan bacon mushroom pasta!
It boasts a delightful lightness, a refreshing burst of flavours, and a harmonious blend that will captivate your palate.
And the best part?
This dish can be prepared entirely from scratch in just 20 minutes. Ah, did you catch that? From scratch! Yes, you heard it right!
Instead of using jarred pasta sauces, we embrace a fresher, healthier approach that not only entices our palates but also champions sustainability.
Let me share three compelling reasons that will transform your perspective on store-bought pasta sauce, inspiring you to create healthier and more eco-friendly vegan pasta meals.
- Many store-bought pasta sauces contain preservatives and artificial additives.
- Homemade pasta sauces are more flavourful and tailored to your taste.
- Every pasta jar not purchased means one less contribution to overflowing landfills.
Healthier ingredients
Many store-bought pasta sauces are notorious for their high sodium content, preservatives, and artificial additives.
By crafting your own sauce, you gain complete control over the ingredients, enabling you to opt for fresher, whole-food alternatives.
Embrace a vibrant array of herbs, spices, and fresh vegetables to concoct a pasta sauce brimming with wholesome goodness.
By doing so, you not only enhance the nutritional value of your dish but also savour the authentic flavours of natural, nourishing ingredients.
The store-bought pasta sauce contains very few healthy ingredients
Customization and flavour
Crafting your own pasta sauce unlocks a world of culinary possibilities!
You have the delightful freedom to tailor the flavours to your personal taste, embarking on exciting adventures of ingredient combinations and seasonings.
Whether you crave the richness of a savoury Bolognese, the velvety indulgence of creamy Alfredo, or the invigorating zest of homemade pesto, the options are boundless.
Furthermore, when you use primarily fresh ingredients, you can effortlessly create a light and tantalising sauce by just using vegetable stock and a few splashes of pasta water.
This thin, flavorful sauce is particularly suited for the sizzling summertime, ensuring a delightful pasta experience without weighing you down.
Sustainability and environmental impact
One often overlooked aspect of store-bought pasta sauces is the significant amount of single-use containers they generate, adding to the mounting landfill waste.
By taking the initiative to make your own sauce, you actively reduce packaging waste and embrace a more sustainable lifestyle.
Every jar or bottle not purchased means one less contribution to overflowing landfills! This conscious choice can have a positive impact on our planet.
Furthermore, opting for homemade sauce allows you to prioritize locally sourced and seasonal ingredients.
By supporting local farmers and producers, you reduce the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation.
Choosing regional, in-season produce not only promotes a more sustainable food system but also ensures the freshness and quality of your ingredients.
By embracing a sustainable approach to your pasta dishes, you actively contribute to mitigating climate change and preserving our precious environment for future generations.
By embracing these three compelling reasons, you can not only enhance the taste and quality of your pasta dishes but also prioritize your health, unleash your culinary creativity, and cultivate a strong environmental consciousness.
Still uncertain about the incredible potential of homemade pasta sauce?
Worry not! Allow me to introduce you to my quick and light summer vegan bacon pasta recipe, an absolute delight that effortlessly combines simplicity and flavour.
This versatile dish welcomes your personal touch, allowing you to customize the vegetable medley to your liking.
Its delectable yet light-coating pasta sauce perfectly suits the sun-soaked days of summer, promising a delightful dining experience that celebrates the season’s abundance of fresh produce.
Fresh ingredients ensure a delicious and healthy pasta dish
Summer vegan bacon pasta
Equipment
- 1 large pot
- 1 frying pan
Ingredients
- 70-80 grams pasta (any type you prefer)
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 2 fresh tomatoes, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 carrot, thinly sliced
- 2 sticks of celery, diced
- 7-8 mushrooms, sliced
- 1 pack vegan bacon (I use This Isn't Bacon Plant-Based Rashers. You can use the desired amount for smoky flavour) *Note 1
- 1 vegetable stock pot or cube
- some spring onions, chopped (optional)
- some baby spinach and mixed leaf salad (optional)
Instructions
- Chop the fresh ingredients you plan to use, including the onion, carrot, celery, mushrooms and spring onions. You can chop garlic cloves and tomatoes a bit later.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
- In a large frying pan or skillet, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent and fragrant.
- Add the sliced carrot and diced celery to the pan with the onion. Mix them together and add a splash of pasta water. This will help to create steam and cook the vegetables. Cook for a few minutes until the carrots and celery have slightly softened and become tender. *Note 2
- Add sliced mushrooms to the pan and let them cook in the pan.
- Check the pasta for doneness. If it's cooked to your liking, switch off the heat.
- Chop the garlic and add it to the pan with the mushrooms. Cook for a brief moment until the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Roughly slice the tomatoes and add them to the pan.
- Add the vegetable stock pot into the pan and stir well to combine. This will add depth of flavour to the sauce.
- Add a bit more pasta water if needed.
- Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the pan. Remember to save the pasta water, as it can be used for cleaning the pan later.
- Toss everything together in the pan, ensuring the sauce coats the pasta evenly. If needed, you can add a splash of pasta cooking water to loosen the sauce.
- If using vegan bacon, chop it into small pieces and add it to the pan. Sauté until the bacon is cooked. If you don't have vegan bacon, add extra sliced mushrooms and drizzle some smoky liquid seasoning to infuse that smoky flavour.
- Add the chopped spring onions and celery leaves to the pasta for some extra freshness.
- If desired, add a handful of baby spinach to the pan and cook until wilted. This will add freshness and vibrant color to the dish.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if desired.
- Serve your delicious Summer Vegan Bacon Pasta in bowls or on plates. Optionally, you can accompany it with a side of mixed leaf salad for added more freshness and texture.
- Enjoy your quick and light summer vegan bacon pasta creation!
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