SUN-DRIED TOMATO LINGUINE

SERVES

SUN_DRIED TOMATOS MARINARA SAUCE

113g (4oz) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

2 cups warm water

1 tsp. olive oil

1/2 medium yellow onion, diced

2 garlic cloves, peeled

2 cups halved cherry tomatoes

1/2 cup chopped fresh basil

One 15-oz. can no-salt-added tomato sauce

One 170g (6oz) can no-salt-added tomato paste

2 tsp. maple syrup

Black pepper to taste

1lb (16oz) linguine (gluten-free if necessary)

Pepita Parmesan, optional

1/2 cup sliced pitted green olives

2 tbsp. capers, rinsed and drained

Chopped fresh parsley or basil, optional

NUTRITIONAL VALUES

Calories: 367kcal
Fat: 5g (0.6g S.Fat)
Carbs: 69g
Protein: 14g
Sugar: 3.4g
Sodium: 166mg

METHOD

Fill a bowl halfway with water and add the sun-dried tomatoes. Allow them to soak for 10 minutes, or until they are rehydrated and tender. Drain and set aside the soaking water.

In a large saucepan over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Sauté the onion and garlic until the onion is translucent. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 8 minutes, or until the sun-dried tomatoes and cherry tomatoes are tender. Combine the basil, tomato sauce, tomato paste, 1 1/2 cups of the reserved soaking water, and the maple syrup in a large mixing bowl. Stir everything together until it's smooth.

Blend the mixture with an immersion blender until smooth (or mostly smooth), or transfer to a blender and blend until smooth. Simmer for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to medium-low if the sauce is sputtering too much. Season with pepper.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil while the sauce is cooking. Cook the linguine according to package directions until al dente. Drain.

You can either add the pasta to the sauce or spoon the sauce over the pasta. In either case, garnish with Pepita Parmesan (if using), olives, capers, and parsley (if using). Serve right away. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.

CREAMY ROASTED GARLIC-TOMATO SOUP WITH GRILLED CHEESE CROUTONS

SERVES

SOUP

3 to 4 lb. Roma tomatoes, halved lengthwise

1 tsp. olive oil, plus more for roasting

Salt and black pepper to taste

1 small garlic head (see Variation)

1 sweet onion, diced

One 6 oz. can no-salt-added tomato paste

2 tbsp. coconut sugar (or brown sugar)

2 tbsp. white wine vinegar

2 tsp. dried basil

1 tsp. dried oregano

3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

1/2 cup unsweetened non-dairy milk (soy-free if necessary)

1 tbsp. nutritional yeast, optional

2 to 3 tbsp. chopped fresh basil, optional

CROUTONS

4 vegan sandwich bread slices (gluten-free if necessary)

Basic Cashew Cheese Sauce, Melty Variation

Vegan butter (soy-free if necessary)

NUTRITIONAL VALUES

Calories: 156kcal
Fat: 5.2g (3.2g S.Fat)
Carbs: 19.6g
Protein: 8g
Sugar: 1.6g
Sodium: 452mg

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C, or gas mark 6). Line one or two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Place the tomato halves, cut side up, on the baking sheet(s). Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Trim the top of the garlic head so that all of the cloves are visible. Place the head on a sheet of aluminium foil and drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Wrap the foil tightly around the head to completely encase it. Cook for about 40 minutes, or until the garlic is soft and the tomatoes are slightly charred. Take the dish out of the oven. Allow the garlic to cool before unwrapping it. Set aside the tomatoes.

While the garlic cools, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the onion until it is translucent. Place in a blender.

When the garlic is cool enough to handle, squeeze each clove over a small plate or bowl to release the garlic. Combine the garlic, onions, roasted tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, vinegar, dried basil, and oregano in a blender. Blend until completely smooth.

Bring the tomato mixture and broth to a boil in a large pot. Reduce to a low heat and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes, or until heated through and slightly thickened. Cook for another 5 minutes after adding the milk and nutritional yeast (if using). Reduce the heat to low and cover the soup to keep it warm.

Make the croutons while the soup is simmering: Place two slices of bread on a plate, spread with cheese, and top with another slice of bread. On the outsides of each sandwich, spread butter. Preheat a frying pan over medium heat, preferably cast iron. Place both sandwiches in the pan and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until crispy and golden on both sides. Remove the sandwiches from the oven and cut them into six squares.

Spoon the soup into bowls and top with a sprinkle of fresh basil (if using) and 3 or 4 grilled cheese croutons per serving (or serve them on the side and add them as you eat). Serve right away. Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.

VARIATIONS

If your family isn't a fan of garlic, you can completely exclude it.