This Must-Try Vegan Pasta Dish Unexpectedly Features Brussels Sprouts

This pasta has always been a tried-and-true go-to. I usually just eyeball the whole thing, so I’m glad it’s finally documented and can become part of your regular rotation too! The sauce is light and simple, using shallot, garlic, white wine, lemon juice and zest, nutritional yeast, and pasta water.

Don’t overcook your Brussels, because you want them bright and bursting with colour. A cast-iron pan is best for preparing this dish to get that beautiful char on the Brussels that other pans just won’t produce.

(Related: 14 Easy Pasta Recipes Full of Flavourful Ingredients)

Easy Brussels Sprouts Pasta

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 package (14 oz/400 g) linguine
• ½ cup raw walnuts
• 3-4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (not oil packed), thinly sliced
• ¼ cup finely chopped shallot (about 1 shallot)
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic (3 or 4 large cloves)
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme
• ⅓ cup dry white wine
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
• 1-2 teaspoons lemon zest (about 1 lemon)
• Sea salt and ground black pepper, to taste
• ½ cup shredded vegan Parmesan, for garnish

(Related: 12 Perfect Recipes for Summer Picnics)

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine to al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of the pasta cooking water and set aside. Drain the pasta, but do not rinse.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat a large cast-iron pan over medium-high heat and toast the walnuts for 4 to 5 minutes, until fragrant. Remove the walnuts from the pan and remove the pan from the heat to cool. Coarsely chop the walnuts and set aside.
3. Heat the same pan over medium heat with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil. Add the Brussels sprouts cut side down and spread out into an even layer. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes without touching to allow them to get nicely browned. Toss once so the other side gets colour, and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer the Brussels to a dish and set aside.
4. Lower the heat to medium-low and ensure the skillet isn’t too hot from browning the Brussels. If the pan is very dry, you can add another drizzle of olive oil or a bit of stock or water to the pan. Sauté the sun-dried tomatoes, shallot, garlic, and thyme. Stir to combine well and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, tossing occasionally and adjusting the heat as necessary so the garlic doesn’t burn.
5. Add the wine and simmer for another 3 to 4 minutes, tossing occasionally. Add the nutritional yeast, lemon juice, lemon zest, and remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Toss to combine and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes.
6. Add the linguine and toss everything until well combined. If the mixture looks dry, you can add the reserved pasta water and toss to combine. Toss the walnuts and Brussels back in, along with the sea salt and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with the vegan Parmesan.

Excerpted from Hot for Food All Day by Lauren Toyota. Copyright © 2021 by Lauren Toyota. Published by Penguin Canada, a division of Penguin Random House Canada Limited. Reproduced by arrangement with the Publisher. All rights reserved.

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