Introducing my extremely flavorful and hearty Smoky Tofu Pasta recipe! This dish is a wonderful fusion of different textures and aromas, making it your new go-to recipe for these upcoming cold autumn and winter months. Trust me, you’re going to love this one!
Planning on Making My Smoky Tofu Pasta?
To make this Smoky Tofu Pasta recipe, you’re going to need the following ingredients…
- Pasta (300 grams): The pasta serves as the base of the dish and provides carbohydrates to make it filling. It acts as a canvas for the sauce and absorbs its flavors.
- Tofu (150 grams, extra firm): Tofu adds protein and a creamy texture to the sauce when crumbled. In this case, it serves as a substitute for traditional dairy-based ingredients like cream or cheese.
- Olive oil (1-2 tbsp): Olive oil adds richness to the sauce and helps sauté the garlic, enhancing its flavor. It also contributes a pleasant, fruity note to the overall taste.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Garlic is a fundamental aromatic ingredient that provides depth of flavor and a delightful aroma to the sauce.
- Tomato puree (3 tbsp): Tomato puree intensifies the tomato flavor, adding a rich and thick consistency to the sauce.
- Liquid smoke (1 tbsp): Liquid smoke infuses a smoky flavor into the sauce, giving it a unique and distinctive taste. It replicates the smokiness you might achieve from grilling or smoking ingredients.
- Balsamic vinegar (1 tbsp): Balsamic vinegar contributes acidity and a hint of sweetness to balance the flavors in the sauce. It also complements the smokiness and adds depth to the overall taste profile.
- Smoked paprika (3 tsp): Smoked paprika enhances the smoky flavor profile of the sauce, adding a smoldering depth to the dish. It’s a key ingredient in achieving that smoky aroma.
- Chilli powder (2 tsp): Chilli powder provides a gentle heat to the sauce, adding a bit of spice to balance the other flavors. The level of spiciness can be adjusted to your preference.
- Oregano (2 tsp): Oregano contributes an earthy and herby aroma to the sauce, complementing the other flavors and providing a Mediterranean touch.
- Salt (to taste): Salt enhances the overall flavor by bringing out the natural tastes of the ingredients and balancing the dish’s sweetness and acidity.
- Sugar (2 tsp): Sugar helps to balance the acidity from the tomatoes and balsamic vinegar. It rounds out the flavor profile and reduces any potential bitterness.
- Chopped tomatoes (1.5 400g tins): Chopped tomatoes form the base of the sauce, providing a rich, tomatoey texture and flavor. They also add moisture to the dish.
- Fresh parsley (large handful, chopped): Fresh parsley adds a burst of freshness, color, and a hint of herbaceousness to the sauce, creating a harmonious contrast with the smoky and rich flavors.
- Spinach (70 grams): Spinach adds a nutritious and vibrant green element to the dish. It wilts into the sauce, contributing a mild, earthy flavor and extra texture.
- Vegan parmesan (for topping): Vegan parmesan is used as a finishing touch to add a cheesy, umami flavor to the dish. It enhances the overall experience by mimicking the traditional use of Parmesan cheese in pasta dishes.
What is Vegan Parmesan Made of?
Vegan Parmesan, also known as “Parmesan-style” or “nutritional yeast” Parmesan, is a plant-based alternative to traditional Parmesan cheese. It is typically made from a combination of nuts or seeds, nutritional yeast, salt, and sometimes additional seasonings.
Smokey Tofu Pasta
Ingredients
- 300 grams pasta of choice
- 1 150 gram block tofu extra firm, drained and pressed
- 1-2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tbsp tomato puree
- 1 tbsp liquid smoke
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 3 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp chilli powder
- 2 tsp oregano
- Salt to taste
- 2 tsp sugar
- 1.5 400g tins chopped tomatoes
- 1 large handful fresh parsley chopped
- 70 grams spinach
- Vegan parmesan for topping
Instructions
- Cook your pasta according to packet instructions.
- Heat the oil in a pan over a medium-high heat, then add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Crumble the tofu into the pan and saute, while stirring, for 3-4 minutes.
- Add the spices and sugar and cook for 1-2 minutes more.
- Add the tomato puree, tin of tomatoes, balsamic vinegar and liquid smoke. Simmer for 10 minutes before stirring in the parsley and spinach (it's ready when the spinach has wilted).
- Drain your pasta and stir it into the pasta sauce. Serve and enjoy!
What Exactly is Liquid Smoke?
Liquid smoke is your new secret weapon when it comes to making amazing recipes!
Liquid smoke is a condiment and flavoring agent that creates a smoky flavor to foods and dishes without the need for actual smoking or grilling. It is made through a process that captures and condenses the smoke produced during the burning of wood, typically hardwoods like hickory, mesquite, or applewood.
