Wah Gwaan!! (What's Up!...if you've never been to the island)
I call this UnRasta Pasta because we are not West Indian. Although, I strongly believe I have the soul of one because the way I turn up to, "Palance," would show otherwise. This recipe gives you the irie vibes of sitting at your favorite Caribbean beach, rum punch in hand, and something with a likkle spice to nibble on. I stumbled on this Caribbean spice in Whole Foods the other day and said I should be able to master my UnRasta Pasta with this; something was always missing before. My UnRasta Pasta was giving, "I only use salt and pepper to season my food." Now it's giving the additional kick it needed!
Traditional Rasta Pasta uses Jerk seasoning and bell peppers; hence why I call it UnRasta Pasta because I had to put my own spin to it. Let's get into it!
Prep time: 5-10 minutes
Cook time: 30-40 minutes
Ingredients:
16 oz box of penne noodles
1- 1 1/2 cans coconut milk
1 heaping tbsp of minced garlic
8 oz of Parmesan vegan cheese
1-2 tbsp of Caribbean Seasoning
1 package of Provencal vegetables*
1 package of plant based sausage
1 tbsp Black Pepper
1-2 tbsp of Garlic Salt
1 tbsp Paprika
2-3 tbsp of Nutritional Yeast
Directions:
In a pot, heat water and cook penne to al dente. Set aside.
Next, cut your sausage into small pieces about the size of a quarter. In a separate large pan (wok is preferred), heat oil, add minced garlic and sausage. Cook for about 10 minutes or until the sausage is brown on all sides..
Add the entire package of Provencal vegetables and cook for another 7-9 minutes.
Add 1- 1 ½ cans of coconut milk and the nutritional yeast to the mixture. Bring to a simmer. Add Caribbean seasoning. The more seasoning you add the spicier it'll be. Let these flavors melt together. Your sauce should be creamy, but not too thick. If it’s too thick, add a little water.
5. Finally, add penne pasta and parmesan cheese to your sauce and vegetable mixture.
6. Top with garlic salt, paprika, and pepper. Mix together and enjoy!
Mi a leff, inna di morrows! (See you later/next time)
*Kinky Tip: This vegetable bag can be found at Whole Foods, however if you can’t find it, you can sub for peppers and onions.