Conchas de pasta rellenas de requesón de anacardos y espinacas

Ingredientes

• 2 cups raw cashews, soaked
• 2/3 cup water
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (approx. 2 lemons)
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1 bag (16 oz) frozen spinach, thawed
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tbsp dried basil (OPTIONAL)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Fresh cracked black pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 8 (1/2 box) jumbo pasta shells (I used manicotti but pasta shells are easier to source)
• 2 cups favorite marinara sauce
• 1 1/4 cup plant-based shredded mozzarella (I used Violife)
• Fresh basil for garnish

Preparación

1. 1

   Prepare the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions and set aside.

2. 2

   To prepare the cashew ricotta, start by soaking the cashews in room temperature water overnight or in hot water for one hour. Drain the cashews and add them to a high-speed blender along with the remaining ingredients. Blend until it reaches a smooth consistency, scraping down the edges as needed.

3. 3

   Transfer the cashew ricotta to a large bowl along with the oregano, basil*, garlic powder, olive oil, and black pepper.

4. 4

   Place the defrosted spinach in a colander and press out as much liquid as possible. Add the spinach to the bowl with the cashew ricotta ingredients and mix to combine. Adjust for seasoning.

5. 5

   Preheat the oven to 375F and set aside a 9×13’’ baking dish. Pour half of the marinara sauce into the baking dish, smoothing out in an even layer.

6. 6

   Scoop the cashew spinach filling (roughly two tablespoons) into each cooked shell and arrange in the baking dish. Pour over the remaining sauce and top with the mozzarella cheese.

7. 7

   Cover with tin foil and place in the oven to bake for 35-40 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the tin foil to let the cheese brown. This is a cast-iron skillet in the shape of NY by the way!

8. 8

   Top with fresh basil or parsley and enjoy with a nice salad or steamed vegetables for a full meal!

9. 9

   Store any extras in the fridge for up to 5 days.