tahini pasta
main | pasta rainbowplantlife vegan vegetarian10 oz. fresh broccoli
- shave tough outer layer of stalks, then cut stalks into coins and head into florets
8 oz. medium-sized ridged pasta
- cook according to package’s minimum al dente time
- three minutes before draining, add broccoli florets
- reserve 1 cup of pasta water when draining
sauce:
1 lemon
1/3 cup tahini
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1/2 tsp. maple syrup or agave nectar
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
generous amount of pepper
1/4 cup ice water
- zest and juice lemon
- which 2 Tbsp. lemon juice with tahini, olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper
- add pinch of lemon zest, but reserve rest for topping
- slowly add water while whisking until smooth but pourable
topping:
1 cup fresh basil leaves
lemon zest
1/4 tsp. salt
- sliver basil leaves and toss with zest and salt
main dish:
2 1/2 Tbsp. olive oil
1/4 tsp. salt
1 shallot, sliced
4 cloves garlic, sliced
1/2 to 1 tsp. red pepper flakes
- heat oil then add broccoli stems and salt and cook for 2 minutes
- add shallot and garlic and cook another 2 to 4 minutes, until broccoli steams and shallots have color
- add red pepper flakes and cook for 30 seconds
- add hot cooked pasta and broccoli florets, sauce, and 3/4 cup reserved pasta water
- remove from heat and toss with majority of topping
- taste and add salt, pepper, and extra lemon juice as needed
- garnish with remaining topping