I was clearly in the mood for seemingly-indulgent comfort foods this weekend when I planned and cooked the food I’m posting this week. Coconut water mocha, beer-battered onion rings, this recipe, and a dessert tomorrow. Hmmm…
Eh well!
This is one of those recipes that makes me feel kind of pompous. Because it is ridiculously good. I created it, and I am proud.
I was not a fan of pasta alfredo pre-veganism. But something made me crave some creamy cheesy pasta (probably the same thing that made me want chocolate, onion rings, and dessert this weekend . . .), and I decided to tackle it in a way that didn’t involve too much faux cheese. I set myself a little limit – no more than half of the sauce can be “cheese.” I experimented with some more nutritious fillers for the creamy element, and am so. happy. with. what. I. found.
Quinoa flakes.
What?
Quinoa flakes.
What?
Okay, I’m done.
In the gluten-free section of the grocery store, you can buy a box of quinoa flakes – I think they’re most commonly eaten as a hot cereal, and they’re really yummy that way.
But blend them with some savory cheesy goodness, and you have an alfredo sauce.
serves 2
1/2 pound pasta of choice (I used whole wheat)
1/3 C quinoa flakes
2/3 C water
1/4 wedge Daiya Jack-style cheese
3 T nutritional yeast
lots of crushed black pepper
1/2 t salt
tiny pinch garlic powder
Boil water and cook your pasta. While it’s cooking, combine quinoa flakes and water in a microwavable bowl, and cook on high for 2 minutes. Then add the rest of the ingredients plus the quinoa flakes into a blender and combine. Add a spoonful of the starchy water that your pasta’s cooking in (like a big ladleful – it’s a great trick for sauces!)
Drain pasta, and toss with the sauce.
Seriously good. Seriously decadent. Seriously nowhere near as unhealthy as it tastes.
Please LOOK at the nutrition facts below. This is for a huge serving of pasta (I ate this recipe as if it’s 4 servings and that was plenty filling)! Only 350 calories, 11 grams of fiber, 16 grams of protein! Come on. Really.
I mean, really.
Nutrition facts per serving: Calories: 350; Calories from Fat: 85; Total Fat: 9.5g; Saturated Fat: 3.2g; Sodium: 867mg; Total Carbohydrates: 55.6g; Dietary Fiber: 11.1g; Sugars: 1.9g; Protein: 16.1g
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