Creamy Carrot & Tomato Vegan (Pasta) Sauce

Who doesn’t like a one-pot, easy, healthy, veggie-filled, creamy pasta sauce? This recipe only takes 5 ingredients and a few spices, it's loaded with hidden veggies, it's freezable, easy to make, and it can be used for all sorts of dishes!

I'm not a huge fan of regular pasta, so I've used Soy Bean Fettuccine, which are loaded with protein and fibre. You could also use your favorite quinoa or lentil-based pasta. And I've topped it with home-made rocket & cashew pesto to give it a little extra kick and nice colour.

Ingredients

(this recipe serves 4)

• Tomatoes, 2 medium

• Carrots, about 600 g

• White onion, 2 medium

• Garlic cloves, 3

• Cashew nuts, a handful, soaked in water for 2-3 hours (optional, use for creamier sauce)

• Cumin, 2 teaspoons

• Sweet paprika, 1 teaspoon

• Ginger, a little piece (about 1 cm)

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• Coconut oil or olive oil

Instructions

You can use a large sauce pan or pot to make the sauce, whatever is easier for you. I reckon you could also use a pressure cooker.

Start by chopping the carrots, tomatoes and onions into large pieces. Mince the garlic and ginger.

In your pan, quickly sauté ginger, garlic and onions for a few minutes in a little coconut oil or olive oil. Then, add carrots, tomatoes, cumin, sweet paprika, a little salt, and sauté for a few more minutes to have nice fragrances. And water to cover, and boil until carrot are soft.

Allow to cool down a bit before transferring into a blender. Blend completely with the drained soaked cashews (if using).

Reduce the sauce to thicken if necessary. Season well with salt and pepper!

Note: You make a large batch of the sauce so you can freeze the leftovers for a quick meal when you need it.

Other uses for the sauce:

• Pizza - This makes the perfect creamy pizza sauce, complete with veggies!

• Spiralised veggie dish - Spiralise some courgette for example & add in any other veggies (broccoli or mushrooms). Cook the veggies on high, add in the spiralised courgette for a few minutes, then toss with the sauce.

• Veggie Lasagna - between each layer of pasta and/or veggies.

Enjoy !!

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