Get ready to transform your dinner routine with a mind-blowing vegan pasta dish that proves plant-based eating can be incredibly delicious and sophisticated! This Vegan Lemon Butter Pasta with Peas and Charred Leeks is not just a meal; it's a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. With its perfect balance of zesty lemon, creamy butter, and smoky charred leeks, this recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food that's both elegant and incredibly easy to prepare.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 2 tbsp vegan butter
- 1 cup peas
- 2 leeks, charred and sliced
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Measure out 8 oz of pasta, 2 tbsp of vegan butter, and 1 cup of peas. Clean the leeks thoroughly, removing any dirt between the layers, and slice them into thin rounds. Zest and juice the lemon, ensuring you have both ready for later use. Finally, chop some fresh parsley for garnish.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically around 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the charred leeks. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil if desired. Once hot, add the sliced leeks and sauté them for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are soft and have developed a nice char. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
- When the leeks are charred to your liking, add the 1 cup of peas to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, just until the peas are heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the pasta is done cooking, reserve about ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta. Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the charred leeks and peas.
- In the skillet, add the 2 tbsp of vegan butter, the lemon zest, and the lemon juice. Toss everything together gently, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. The butter should melt and coat the pasta beautifully, creating a creamy texture.
- Once everything is well combined and heated through, taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- To serve, divide the pasta among four plates or bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and added flavor. Enjoy your Vegan Lemon Butter Pasta with Peas and Charred Leeks!
Tips
- Pasta Perfection: Always salt your pasta water generously - it should taste like the sea! This is your only chance to season the pasta from the inside out.
- Charring Technique: When cooking leeks, don't be afraid of a little color. The char adds a deep, smoky flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- Sauce Consistency: Reserve pasta water is your secret weapon. Add it gradually to create a silky, clingy sauce that coats every single pasta strand.
- Lemon Love: Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the brightest, most vibrant flavor. Bottled lemon juice simply can't compare.
- Make it Your Own: Feel free to add extra vegetables or swap the pasta type. This recipe is wonderfully versatile!
- Garnish Game: Fresh parsley isn't just for looks - it adds a fresh, herbaceous note that completes the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 0mg
