Just started being vegan today!

[PTree15]

You can really use any basic pesto recipe and just swap the basil with spinach. I have used this Martha Stewart recipe two times now and have had really good results. Also, I omit the cheese. After the pasta is cooked, I add a little melted EB and about 2-3 tablespoons of nutritional yeast directly to the pasta. It adds a nice rich flavor.

I am posting this from my phone so I hope the formatting isn't messed up. If it is, I will fix it when I'm on my desktop.

INGREDIENTS

12 ounces fettuccine
Coarse salt and ground pepper
1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving (optional)
2 tablespoons pine nuts, plus more for serving (optional)
1 garlic clove
1 teaspoon grated zest plus 2 tablespoons juice from 1 lemon
1/4 cup olive oil

DIRECTIONS

STEP 1
Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water; immediately drain pasta, and return to pot.

STEP 2
While pasta is cooking, place spinach, Parmesan, nuts, garlic, and lemon zest and juice in a food processor. Process until a paste forms. With motor running, add oil and 1/4 cup cold water; process until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper. Add to pasta; toss, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until sauce is thinned slightly and coats fettuccine (you may not need all the water). Serve, sprinkled with additional Parmesan and nuts, if desired.

Wow, that sounds awesome. I love basil pesto, but I love spinach, so I will totally try this. Thanks for the recipe!

 

[peacefulveglady]

I am cleaning out my kitchen the next couple of weeks and going further into being a Vegan. I am serious this time, Its going to be still hard but one step at a time....

 

[RubyMoonlight]

I do the soy cheeses once in a while but they really don't do it for me personally. I've found that soaking various nuts like almonds or cashews and then processing them with nutritional yeast can also give a cheesy-like result. It can be used to thicken soups or even added to casserole dishes. But it took a while for me to get accustomed to the taste. If you've never had nutritional yeast before you might think it has too strong of a taste, but give it another chance later on. It's also packed with B vitamins, including B12.

 

[Photojess]

I am cleaning out my kitchen the next couple of weeks and going further into being a Vegan. I am serious this time, Its going to be still hard but one step at a time....

hey I remember a few yrs ago, you were struggling with being veg at all...so this is good news!~ Keep up the good work, you can do it, and it will make you so much happier! BTW, the OP hasn't returned to the conversation, but man, did that pizza look good up above

 

[peacefulveglady]

hey I remember a few yrs ago, you were struggling with being veg at all...so this is good news!~ Keep up the good work, you can do it, and it will make you so much happier! BTW, the OP hasn't returned to the conversation, but man, did that pizza look good up above

I am having some health problems that is promting my choice just that if I give up some stuff right now it will get me sick. I am hoping 2014 will be a better year for me.