So… dinner last night was an experiment, of sorts. I challenge myself to make something healthy, something unique, and – of course – something vegan.
I decided to do something a little different. I made a regular salad (four colors, of course… always a must!)… then we had the Fusilli with Sun Dried Tomatoes and Roasted Asparagus *YUM* from Vegan Planet Cookbook (buy it. Just do it). And we had Rustic Cabbage Soup posted earlier on this site.
Was a bit reversed… finishing with soup… but that was easier to keep hot than the Fusilli. So there’s that.
Oh, and I MADE the Fusilli with my spiffy cool new Kitchenaid Pasta Press… LOVE that thing. REALLY works well. And each time I make it, I learn a few things.
Okay. So here goes.
Vegan Planet
Fusilli with Roasted Asparagus, Sun-dried tomatoes, and pine nuts
Servings/Yield
4 servings
12 oz. thin asparagus, bottoms trimmed, cut diagonally into 2 inch pieces
3 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
½ cup oil packed or rehydrated sun-dried tomatoes
1 pound fusilli
1 large clove garlic, minced
salt and freshly ground black pepper
¼ cup chopped fresh basil or parsley
3 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted (p 110)
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Toss the asparagus with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and place on a lightly oiled baking sheet. Roast until just tender, 6-8 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside.
2. Cut the tomatoes into 1/4 inch wide strips and set aside.
3. Cook the fussili in a large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until al dente, 8 to 10 minutes for dried pasta.
4. While the pasta is cooking, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic, and cook, stirring, until fragrant – about 30 seconds. Add the roasted asparagus, tomatoes, and salt and pepper to taste. Reduce the heat to low and keep warm.
5. Drain the pasta and place in a large, shallow serving bowl Add the asparagus mixture, basil, and pine nuts. Toss to combine. Drizzle on a little more olive oil if desired, and serve hot.
Serves 4.
Don’t have the book? You should pick it up… or you can easily order it, here!