Creamy Aubergine (Eggplant) Ricotta Pasta

Creamy Aubergine Ricotta Pasta

Makes 4-5 servings

Ingredients

• 2 aubergine (eggplants), quartered and sliced into small strips, white fluffy inner parts removed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried Italian herb mix or dried oregano
• 1 clove garlic, peeled and finely chopped
• 2 tins of chopped tomatoes in their juices
• salt and pepper to taste
• 500 g dried penne or fusilli pasta
• 1 recipe cashew-tofu ricotta, recipe below

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a frying pan or wok over medium heat.  Quarter the aubergine and remove the fluffy white innards. Cut into small strips (about the length and width of the penne).  Cook the aubergine in batches until you can slice through them easily with the side of a fork.
2. Return all the aubergine to the pan, add the minced garlic and dried Italian herbs, and cook until the garlic is browned.
3. Add the tomatoes to the pan, and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently.
4. In the meantime, boil a large pot of water and add the penne pasta.  Cook according to packet instructions, the drain and set to one side.
5. When the tomato-aubergine mixture has finished cooking, add it to the pasta in a large pot.  Add the ricotta and stir to combine.
6. Top with vegan parmesan, if desired.

Vegan Ricotta

• 1 package (approx 1 lb) firm tofu, drained and pressed
• 1/2 cup cashews
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast flake
• 10 fresh basil leaves, chopped
• fresh black pepper to taste
• Italian dried herb mix to taste

Instructions

1. In a spice grinder, grind cashews until fine.
2. In a food processor, blend cashews, tofu, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, nutritional yeast, tahini, miso, basil, black pepper, and Italian herb mix until it forms a thick paste.
3. Adjust seasonings to taste.