Vegan Tahini Pasta is a rich but straightforward meal that brings the combination of nutty sesame flavor and the freshness of lemon and garlic. The slightly creamy sauce, made without dairy products, is well-blended and more than enough to cozy up to any plant-based cooking lover. The favorite thing about it is how fast it can be assembled, and yet it does not seem depriving and joyless. A few ingredients in your pantry are all that is needed to make a sauce that will cover pasta wonderfully. Adding vegetables or protein to this Vegan Tahini Pasta makes it a more substantial meal.
STATS
- Diet: Vegan
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mediterranean / Fusion
- Time for prep: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
- Working time (total): 25 minutes
- Size/serving: 1 bowl
- Level of difficulty: Easy
- Mode of cooking: Stovetop
- Total yield: 4 servings
EQUIPMENT
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Medium saucepan for sauce
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon/spatula
- Colander
- Measuring cups & spoons
INGREDIENTS
- Twelve ounces of pasta
- ⅓ cup tahini and two minced garlic cloves
- Three tablespoons of lemon juice
- Half a teaspoon of crushed cumin
- Set aside ½ cup of pasta water.
- Two tablespoons of olive oil
- 1/2 tsp paprika, smoked
- To taste, add salt & pepper.
- For garnish, use two tablespoons of minced parsley.
INGREDIENT NOTES
Pasta:
- Take spaghetti/linguine/penne. Whole wheat/gluten-free can also be used. The tahini sauce is based on pasta.
Tahini:
- Sesame paste with a pungent flavor that is thick and creamy. It becomes velvet in lemon juice and water. Earthy, full, and deep.
Garlic:
- Fresh garlic gives pungency and flavor. Garlic, when it is minced, would mix with the sauce. It provides richness and does not overpower.
Lemon juice:
- It provides a light and tart flavor. Tahini is weighed down by richness. Squeezed to order is best.
Saving pot water:
- Pasta water is starch and thins the sauce. It assists in sticking to pasta. Domestic emulsification occurs in warm water.
Olive oil:
- Further richness & flavour. Keeps the sauce from drying. Spreads a silky finish.
Cumin:
- Wood spice. The synergy is with tahini. Develops Mediterranean texture.
Smoked paprika:
- Smoky, a little sweet. Tames the ekefulness of tahini. Brings mild color and taste.
Salt and pepper:
- Equalize and cut flavor. Lemon and garlic are levitated by the salt. Pepper is added with some heat.
DIRECTIONS
- Cook the pasta according to the package guidelines till it is al dente.
- Drain the pasta and reserve ½ cup of the water.
- Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over low heat till the pasta is cooked.
- Additionally, sauté the garlic for about two minutes, or till it starts to smell fragrant.
- Add smoked paprika, cumin, lemon juice, tahini, & a little pasta water and whisk to combine.
- Mix till creamy and smooth.
- To get the required sauce consistency, slowly add more pasta water.
- Add salt and pepper for seasoning.
- Coat the drained pasta with the tahini sauce by tossing it in the pan.
- Stir the noodles thoroughly to coat them.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
TIPS
- To make it a hotter meal, add chili flakes or cayenne pepper.
- Add chickpeas or grilled tofu to add a protein boost.
- Tasting and checking the seasoning should be done before serving.
STORAGE INFORMATION
Refrigerate:
- Will keep for at least the next 3 days in a sealed jar. Before giving it to your family and friends must add a splash of water and reheat gently on the burner.
Freezer:
- Not advised since tahini sauce may split when reheated.
FAQS
Can I make this oilless?
- Yes, don’t use the olive oil sauté garlic in a little bit of water. The sauce will not lose its creaminess.
What kind of pasta will flex?
- Any pasta works, but Spaghetti or linguine works best with sauce. Gluten-free will also be good.
Can the sauce be made ahead?
- Yes, additionally, you may prepare the sauce in advance and store it for up to two days in a container that is airtight. Add hot water to dissolve, then mix into the pasta.
Is tahini good for you?
- Yes, it’s full of nutrients and minerals, rich in healthy fats, protein & secure. Add nutrients and fullness to the meal.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
Calories: 350
Protein: 11gSodium: 210mg
Carbohydrates: 46g
Dietary Fiber: 5gSugars: 2g
Total Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
