Vegan Pimento Cream Sauce
Vegan Pimento Cream Sauce that is so rich, creamy and oil-free Made with pimentos, fire-roasted tomatoes and smoked paprika, it is the perfect dinner for a busy weeknight.
Vegan Pimento Cream Sauce that is so rich, creamy and oil-free Made with pimentos, fire-roasted tomatoes and smoked paprika, it is the perfect dinner for a busy weeknight.
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 large garlic cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder
- 1 cup (150g) raw cashews (see note below for low-fat ve
- 5 tablespoons (90g) water
- 1 1/2 tablespoons (23g) fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup (120g) diced jarred pimentos
- 1/2 cup (120g) fire-roasted tomatoes with their juices
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (use 1 teaspoon for a stronger fla
- 1/2 - 3/4 teaspoon salt (i used a heaping 1/2 tea
- 16 oz pasta of choice (i used fusilli)
- Carbohydrate 1.77892908959538 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.168632341040462 g
- Fiber 0.180997826835324 g
- Protein 0.432938078034682 g
- Saturated Fat 0.0118200867052023 g
- Serving Size 1 1 cups of sauce (232g)
- Sodium 0.852589595375723 mg
- Sugar 1.59793126276005 g
- Trans Fat 0.0176882369942197 g
- Calories 10 calories
Step-by-step
- If you have a Vitamix, no need to soak the cashews. If you do not have a high-powered blender, then you will need to soak your cashews overnight, drain and then rinse. Otherwise, your sauce will be gritty.
- I find a food processor makes sauces creamier when using soaked cashews, versus a standard blender (in situations of not having a Vitamix).
- Add the cashews, water, lemon juice, pimentos, fire-roasted tomatoes, garlic cloves, smoked paprika, dry mustard, salt and pepper to the blender and process until 100% smooth and no bits of nuts remain.
- Scrape the sides a couple of times during as needed.
- Taste and if you want more salt or pepper, add another pinch.
- With my Vitamix, I blend the sauce until it gets hot, so no need to warm it up before adding to the pasta. The pasta will be hot anyways.
- Make the pasta according to the package directions and serve as much sauce as desired over pasta.
- Top with green onions or any veggies you like!
My Go-To Vegan Pimento Cream Sauce: A Weeknight Staple
As a busy working mom, finding quick and easy weeknight dinners is a constant challenge. I'm always looking for recipes that are both delicious and healthy, and this Vegan Pimento Cream Sauce has become a true lifesaver. It's incredibly creamy, rich in flavor, and surprisingly easy to make, even on a hectic weeknight. The best part? It's completely oil-free, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
The vibrant red color of the pimentos and fire-roasted tomatoes is visually appealing, and the smoky paprika adds a depth of flavor that elevates this sauce beyond the ordinary. I love the versatility of this recipe – it’s not just a pasta sauce; it's a blank canvas for culinary creativity. One night, I might serve it over my favorite fusilli pasta. Other times, I'll use it as a topping for baked potatoes or roasted vegetables. The possibilities are endless! The creamy texture is a perfect complement to the slightly tangy pimentos and the subtle spice from the smoked paprika. It's a flavor combination that’s both comforting and exciting. It's a recipe that I've tweaked and perfected over time, and I'm thrilled to finally share it with you.
What I love most about this recipe is its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique twist. A sprinkle of fresh basil or oregano would complement the sauce beautifully. You could also add a dash of hot sauce for a little kick, or some nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. I often add a handful of spinach or kale to the sauce in the final stages of blending for an extra boost of nutrients. The sauce is naturally quite flavorful, but you can adjust the seasonings to your taste preferences. If you prefer a more intense smoky flavor, simply increase the amount of smoked paprika.
Beyond the pasta, this sauce is surprisingly versatile. I've used it as a dip for vegetables, a spread for sandwiches, and even as a topping for baked potatoes. The creamy texture and rich flavor make it a delightful addition to almost any dish. Its vibrant color also adds a beautiful visual element to any meal. And let's not forget how effortlessly it transforms a simple pasta dish into a restaurant-worthy experience. With minimal effort, this sauce allows you to impress your friends and family without spending hours in the kitchen. And because it's oil-free, you can enjoy it guilt-free and fit it into any kind of diet you prefer.
This recipe has become a staple in my home, and I hope it becomes one in yours. It's a testament to the power of simple, fresh ingredients and a little culinary creativity. It's a recipe that’s both satisfying and healthy, proving that delicious and nutritious meals can be achievable even on the busiest of weeknights. I encourage you to give it a try and let me know what you think!
Making this recipe is a true joy! From the satisfying whir of the blender to the moment you taste the creamy, flavorful sauce, the entire process is a rewarding experience. It's a recipe that embodies my passion for creating simple yet delicious meals that nourish both the body and the soul.
