While I have a long way to go until I remotely fit the bill as a gourmet chef (or any kind of chef for that matter) I do consider myself confident in the kitchen. I am getting more comfortable with trying out combinations that might sound strange at first thought and pairing ingredients that one typically might not. An example of such is this plate of Creamy Vegan Bean Bolognese:
It’s been almost 2 months since I recommitted to eating a predominantly dairy-free diet and fortunately it’s been much easier than I anticipated. I was pleasantly surprised to realize that most chocolates with 70% cocoa or more are naturally vegan (cocoa butter doesn’t contain dairy despite its misleading name). Thick & creamy smoothies fill the Greek yogurt void. Fortunately I prefer the taste of non-dairy milks like coconut & almond milk. The one dairy food I do miss sometimes? Cheese. The only thing more comforting than digging into a bowl of spaghetti in marinara sauce is digging into a bowl of spaghetti in marinara sauce…topped off with parmesan. I die at the thought! I will definitely make a cheese (& gelato) exception in Venice this summer, but for now I’m finding ways to get around it.
In attempt to add a bit of va va voom to to an otherwise standard bowl of pasta in marinara sauce, I played around in the kitchen earlier this week to create something creamy & decadent-tasting. Key to a dairy-free creamy pasta that almost tastes like Penne alla Vodka in its own right? Hummus! Yeah yeah I know- combining marinara sauce & hummus sounds kinda weird but trust me on this. After plenty of grossed out looks from my mom, she agreed to try a bite & even she liked it…just sayin’!
Taste aside, the beans & hummus pack in a nice dose of protein, soluble fibre, folate and magnesium. Along with volume, the eggplant & bell peppers add a delicious meaty texture – yay for veggies! Other than pasta, this Creamy Vegan Bean Bolognese would taste dreamy over toast, quinoa, jacket potatoes or brown rice. For a lighter, yet equally satisfying option, it also tastes fab with zucchini noodles…which is what I opted for after going to town earlier on in the evening with popcorn.
[yumprint-recipe id=’17’]If there’s one thing you want to do today, it’s stirring hummus into marinara sauce…it’s too delizioso!
What’s your favourite pasta sauce? Mix-ins?
Counting down for you to come and be able to try out all your yum recipes with you!! This looks like such a good meal.. def one i will be recreating xx
Wahooo SO excited now <3!
I love the idea of a vegan bolagnese, and I’m intrigued by the hummus. Since I recently added Greek yogurt to Tomato Basil Soup I certainly wouldn’t turn up my nose at odd combos. I would add Parmesan though. Sorry, can’t help myself. This looks fantastic.
Giiiirl you better be adding extra parmesan so I can eat vicariously through you ;)!
yum yum – can’t wait for lunchies at yours! <3
I knowwww- April 29th we have a date!
Thanks for the reminder that I need to use my spiralizer again!!! This combo sounds so good and comforting!
My spiralizer is one of the best kitchen appliances I’ve invested in!
I used to wonder how eating ALL the dark chocolate never messed with my lactose intolerant stomach – and now I know!! Thanks Khushboo 🙂
I have tried and loved tomato paste and hummus as a dip with pita chips – and since tomato paste and marinara are a lot alike, I am thinking this combo needs to happen in my kitchen! Soon!
Mmm that’s a great idea to even make that combo in a date- will definitely be adding some tomato paste into my next batch of hummus. Thanks, Shashi :)!
This sounds fantastic! I like trying odd combos too – and I find that most of the time they work! Will definitely be making this soon!
Let me know what you think, I think this flavour combo is right up your alley :)!
I’ve been digging Hummus lately and this looks delicious! I was surprised in Italy at how many dairy free options they had which you’d never believe were- Like dutch chocolate or dark chocolate pudding!
Looook atchu coming into the dark side & embracing the legumes ;)! I’ll definitely be looking out for those puddings when I’m in Italy :)!
Pingback: Links I Like #21: Good Friday. - Bagels to Broccoli
Ooh neat idea! I adore hummus used in just about any way, so this sound really good to me!
My favourite pasta sauce is marinara with mushrooms and sausage mixed in.
Mushrooms are a must for me too (this recipe being the exception though haha)!!
This doesn’t sound strange at all – it sounds delicious! And I’m super jealous that you’re going to Venice!
And I’m super jealous you’re going to Australia- it’s high on my travel list!