Creamy Vegan Carbonara

Ingredients

• 8 ounces silken tofu, drained
• 1 garlic clove, grated
• 2/3 cup sauerkraut brine
• 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
• 1 1/2 tablespoons red miso paste
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 8 ounces button mushrooms, sliced
• 7 ounces shiitake mushrooms, stems removed, sliced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 pound dry spaghetti or thin spaghetti
• Salt
• 1 cup pasta water

Instructions

1. 1

   Put the silken tofu, grated garlic, sauerkraut brine, nutritional yeast, red miso paste, smoked paprika, and salt in a blender, and blend on high until the mixture is smooth.

2. 2

   Lower the speed to low and slowly add olive oil. Turn off the blender and taste the sauce. Season with more nutritional yeast or salt if needed.

3. 3

   Put the mushrooms, smoked paprika, salt and olive oil in a bowl and mix well.

4. 4

   In a large pan over medium high heat, add mushrooms and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring often, until mushrooms are golden brown and caramelized. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.

5. 5

   --- For the pasta ---

6. 6

   Bring a pot of salted water to boil.

7. 7

   When the water is boiling, add your pasta and cook according to the directions on the package. We use thin spaghetti which is al dente in 5 minutes.

8. 8

   Fill a cup with pasta water and set it aside.

9. 9

   Drain your pasta but do not rinse.

10. 10

    --- Assembling the vegan carbonara ---

11. 11

    Return pasta to the pot and pour the carbonara sauce over. Toss well and add mushrooms. Toss well again.

12. 12

    Serve topped with fresh parsley. Add pasta water if you prefer a creamier texture.