Mushroom Fettuccine Alfredo

Here’s a classic no one ever thinks could possibly be re-created without butter and heavy cream. But it can be done, and this one won’t weigh you down for days with loads of dairy. So say hello to the creamiest-ever vegan fettuccine Alfredo! Oh, and if you’re allergic to nuts, just replace the cashews with the same measurement of soft tofu and use 1/2 cup water when blending.

MUSHROOM FETTUCCINE ALFREDO [VEGAN]

INGREDIENTS

FOR THE ALFREDO:

• 1 pound fettuccine
• 1 and 1/2 cups raw cashews, soaked in hot water for 20 minutes
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice, plus 1 to 2 teaspoons (optional)
• 1 cup finely chopped onion (about 1 onion)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 large portobello mushrooms, thinly sliced
• 4 cups thinly sliced cremini mushrooms (about 10-ounces)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon sea salt, plus more for seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper, plus more for seasoning
• 1/2 cup dry white wine or low-sodium vegetable stock
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 4 cups packed baby spinach
• 1 cup low-sodium vegetable stock
• 1/4 cup of the Parm

FOR THE PARM:

• 2/3 cup raw cashews, almonds, or pistachios
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
• 1 teaspoon sea salt

PREPARATION

FOR THE ALFREDO:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente. Drain, but do not rinse.
2. Meanwhile, drain and rinse the cashews and add to a high powered blender along with the water, vinegar, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Blend until very smooth.
3. In a large pan over medium heat, sauté the onion in the olive oil for 2 minutes until just softened. Add the mushrooms and cook for 4 minutes. When mushrooms are half cooked and start to release some moisture, stir in the garlic, salt, and pepper and cook for 3 to 4 minutes.
4. Once mushrooms have shrunk and released most of their moisture, add the white wine. Add the 1 to 2 teaspoons lemon juice if using stock in place of the wine. Simmer for 7 minutes until most of the liquid has reduced. Reduce heat to medium-low, stir in the basil and parsley, and cook for another minute.
5. Stir in the cashew cream and spinach, and slowly stir in the stock. Cook for about 4 minutes until the spinach is wilted and soft but still bright green.
6. Add the pasta to the pan and toss to combine everything well. Cook for 3 minutes.
7. Serve immediately and add The Parm on top and ground pepper and salt to taste. If reheating leftovers, heat in a pan and add small amounts of vegetable stock while tossing the pasta to thin out the sauce. Refrigerate any leftovers and consume within 5 days.

FOR THE PARM:

1. Combine all the ingredients together in a food processor and process until a fine crumb or meal is formed.
2.  Store in a jar or container in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.

http://www.onegreenplanet.org/vegan-recipe/mushroom-fettuccine-alfredo/