Who knew that pasta could dance so gracefully with hummus? This creamy vegan hummus pasta with a zesty lemon twist is like a summer afternoon picnic — unexpected yet utterly delightful. I stumbled upon this recipe while trying to veganize my favorite comfort foods, and let me tell you, it’s like a warm hug in a bowl.
Steps
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta until it is al dente, as per package instructions. Save one cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta and keep it warm in the pot.
- In a separate large skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat and sauté the sliced onions for 5-7 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. Add the sliced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until aromatic.
- Stir in the spinach and cook for about a minute until it just begins to wilt.
- Combine the hummus, half a cup of reserved pasta water, lemon juice, and zest in the skillet, stirring until a creamy sauce forms. Gradually add more pasta water if needed to achieve your desired consistency.
- Mix the cooked pasta into the skillet with the hummus sauce and turn off the heat. Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated.
- Garnish with chopped basil and a pinch of crushed red pepper before serving. Optionally, sprinkle with parmesan cheese or additional basil for extra flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, sliced
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 cup plain hummus
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (plus more for serving)
- Pinch of crushed red pepper
FAQ
- What makes hummus pasta a great vegan option?
- Hummus pasta is a fantastic vegan choice because it achieves a creamy sauce texture without using any dairy or nuts. The creaminess comes from hummus combined with pasta water, making it suitable for those with nut allergies.
- Can I customize the ingredients in hummus pasta?
- Absolutely! The recipe is quite flexible. If you’re not a fan of spinach or onions, feel free to leave them out. You can also add other greens like kale or parsley, and it pairs well with various proteins such as chicken or shrimp.
- How do I make hummus pasta sauce?
- To create the sauce, sauté onions and garlic, then add spinach until it wilts. Mix in hummus and thin it out with pasta water to reach your desired consistency. This will yield a smooth, alfredo-like sauce without any heavy cream.
- What is the best way to store and reheat hummus pasta?
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can prepare the sauce a day ahead and add it to freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.
- Are there any low-carb alternatives for hummus pasta?
- Yes, you can make hummus pasta low-carb by using alternatives like zucchini noodles or any preferred low-carb pasta, reducing the carbohydrate content of the meal.
Tips
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: To ensure the hummus sauce coats the spaghetti effectively, cook the pasta until it’s just tender (al dente). This will help prevent it from becoming too soft when tossed with the sauce.
- Gradually Add Pasta Water: Start by adding half a cup of reserved pasta water to the sauce, and then gradually incorporate more until you achieve the desired creamy consistency.
- Consider Low-Carb Options: For a lighter dish, substitute traditional pasta with low-carb alternatives such as zucchini noodles or a preferred low-carb pasta variety.
- Make Sauce Ahead of Time: Save time on busy days by preparing the hummus sauce a day in advance. Simply combine it with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.
Equipment
- Large Pot: For boiling the pasta.
- Large Skillet: For making the sauce and combining with the pasta.
- Lemon Zester: For zesting the lemon.
- Airtight Container: For storing any leftovers.
