Hey there, fellow food adventurers! 👋
Feeling that comfort food craving but want to keep it plant-based and nutritious? Well, buckle up because we’re about to dive into a dish that’s both utterly satisfying and surprisingly simple: Vegan Carbonara!
Now, I know what you might be thinking. "Carbonara? Vegan? Isn't that, like, impossible?" Traditional carbonara is indeed a celebration of all things non-vegan: bacon, eggs, cheese... the works. But fear not! With a little creativity and some clever substitutions, we've crafted a version that is every bit as delicious, creamy, and comforting as the original, without any animal products involved. And you know we like to keep things healthy and nutritious, right?
The Magic of Mushrooms
Forget the bacon! We're introducing meaty, succulent king oyster mushrooms to the party. These aren't your average button shrooms; they have a fantastic texture that, when marinated in a tangy, umami-rich blend of balsamic vinegar, tamari, maple syrup, nutritional yeast, garlic, and smoked paprika, becomes a flavor powerhouse. Simply griddle them until they’re beautifully charred, and you have a smoky, savory stand-in for bacon that'll make your tastebuds sing.
Creamy Dreamy Sauce (Nut-Free!)
For the sauce, we’re keeping it simple, skillet-only style. No complicated steps, no fussy ingredients. Just a luscious blend of olive oil, garlic, vegan single cream (oat, soy, or almond - your choice!), and that magical starchy pasta cooking water. Why pasta water? It’s the secret ingredient for a sauce that clings perfectly to every strand of spaghetti. We’ll add some miso paste for extra umami depth and nutritional yeast for that cheesy goodness. Don't worry if you are looking for a nut-free version, this is the one for you!
Get Creative!
Don't have king oyster mushrooms on hand? No problem! Swap them out for other mushrooms, tofu, tempeh or even toasted almonds or coconut flakes. The key is to have fun and experiment with what's in your pantry. This recipe is your canvas.
Ready to Cook?
What You'll Need:
For the Mushrooms:
- 200g King Oyster Mushrooms
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
- 4 tsp Tamari or Soy Sauce
- 1 tsp Maple Syrup
- 1 tbsp Nutritional Yeast
- 1 Garlic Clove, grated
- 1/2 tsp Smoked Sweet Paprika
- A Pinch of Salt
For the Pasta:
- 200g Spaghetti (Gluten-Free if needed)
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 Large Garlic Clove, diced
- 1/2 cup Vegan Single Cream
- 2 tsp White Miso Paste
- 2 tsp Lemon Juice (or 1 tsp Apple Cider Vinegar)
- 2 heaped tbsp Nutritional Yeast
- Black Pepper, to taste
- Salt, to taste
- Chopped Parsley, for serving
- Toasted Breadcrumbs, optional
- Vegan Parmesan, optional
Instructions:
- Marinate the Mushrooms: Slice the mushrooms, mix with marinade ingredients, and let them sit for a few hours (or as long as you can).
- Grill the Mushrooms: Cook on a grill pan until charred and chop into bite-size pieces. Alternatively bake in the oven at 190°C/375°F for around 25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Cook the Pasta: Cook spaghetti until just below al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Sauté the Garlic: Gently sauté diced garlic in olive oil, being careful not to brown.
- Make the Sauce: Whisk vegan cream and miso paste until smooth. Add pasta water, lemon juice, and nutritional yeast to the garlic oil, then add cream mixture. Whisk well and season to taste.
- Combine: Toss cooked pasta in the sauce, then add the mushrooms and parsley.
- Serve: Divide between plates, top with breadcrumbs and pepper if desired.
Notes:
- Mushroom Substitutes: If you don't have King Oyster Mushrooms, regular oyster mushrooms are a good choice. You can also use portobello or cremini, just adjust cooking time. Don't forget the plant-based bacon options such as Tofu, Tempeh, or even almond and coconut flakes.
- Vegan Cream Substitute: If you can't find vegan cream, mix 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 cup soy milk and 2 tsp cornstarch.
- Breadcrumbs: Get creative and use stale bread like Turkish pide, focaccia or sourdough.
Share the Love!
If you try this recipe, don't forget to tag us using #HealthyVeganEats, we’d love to see your creations. And most importantly, enjoy every single, delicious bite!
Until next time, happy cooking! 🤗