Summer Pasta Bowls with Grilled Veggies and Cashew Cream Sauce

Recipe from Knives Over Forks

“It’s Just Another Meatless Monday! Whoa, Whoa”#PlantBasedNutritionForLife 

#AnOunceOfNutrition #Vegan #Vegetarian #Recipes #MeatlessMonday

Not sure what to do with the straggler ingredients in your pantry and freezer? Whip up this satisfying summer bowl for a nourishing meal that clears out space in your kitchen. Start by cooking up your favorite whole grain pasta and then grilling a bag of frozen veggies to infuse them with extra flavor. Grilling frozen vegetables is easy, but be sure to choose a mix with large chunks, like broccoli and cauliflower (or use fresh vegetables if you prefer). You can also use a grill pan on your stovetop if you don’t have a full BBQ. Once these main components are ready, all you have to do is toss in a can of chickpeas, slice some fresh tomatoes, and drizzle everything in a creamy homemade cashew sauce. To save on time, you can also skip making the sauce and instead thin out oil-free hummus with a few tablespoons of water until it reaches a saucy consistency. No matter how you doctor up this dish, you’ll end up with a delicious medley of nutrient-dense ingredients that will keep your rumbling tummy at bay!

By Darshana Thacker Wendel, Jul 10, 2023

INGREDIENTS

• ½ cup raw cashews
• 4 cups dry whole wheat pasta, such as penne
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley, crushed
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• Sea salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 3 cups frozen vegetable medley, such as broccoli and cauliflower
• 1 15-oz. can chickpeas, rinsed and drained (1½ cups)
• 3 medium tomatoes, cut into wedges

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Place cashews in a blender; add ⅔ cup hot water. Let soak 20 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions; drain. Return pasta to pot.
3. For sauce, add garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, and crushed red pepper to blender. Cover and blend until smooth. Stir in lemon juice and season with salt and black pepper.
4. Grill frozen vegetables over high 2 to 3 minutes. Carefully turn vegetables and cook 2 to 3 minutes more or until hot and crispy.
5. Divide pasta, chickpeas, grilled vegetables, and tomatoes among bowls. Drizzle with cashew sauce.