Meatless Monday – Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Sauce over Asparagus

Is Your Stomach Growling Yet?

I am a sauce girl! The more sauce the tastier, what about you? In turning from my SAD (Standard American Diet) to a Plant-Based one, many moons ago, proved challenging when I wanted to feed my inner sauce lover. This is part of the chain of events that sent me on a kitchen quest, to find the perfect, most delicious recipes that tickle the taste buds in a healthy way.

I’m proud to introduce you to your new favorite! This is my fresh Vegan twist on a time-old Spaghetti & Meatballs type of classic.

While you may have your own healthy tomato sauce recipe, I encourage you to give the Roasted Red Peppers a shot! The creamy texture mixed with a hidden pine nut palate teaser, makes for one amazing sauce. Every time I prepare this dish for my family we’re all up for seconds, and wishing we had room for thirds 😉

Now, you know I like to also fill you in on the ins & outs of what you’re eating! Let me take you through some of the outstanding health benefits found in this recipe. (We have discussed several of these ingredients in previous Meatless Monday posts, take a look at the “Blog” to learn more. For example – Click here to read our article which speaks about the healthy side of Red Bell Peppers)

Pine Nuts – One of my favorite health information sources is Care2, some of these health facts are inspired by them! Did you know that Pine Nuts are tiny weight loss boosters? They contain pinoleic acid, which makes you feel fuller faster. What about their high quantity of heart-friendly monounsaturated fat.. it’s amazing! Pine Nuts are often over looked and are not a one go-to healthy nut.. but they are loaded with Vitamin D (helps strong bones) Vitamin C (boosts immune system) Vitamin A (supports our vision.) Tomorrow try skipping the coffee and eating a few pine nuts instead! They’re an excellent source of energy and will get you feeling brand new.

Asparagus – This is one powerful veggie! With benefits ranging from disease and age fighting properties to amazing anti-oxidant rich elements, “eat your vegetables” has never been so true. Asparagus is a herbaceous plant – along with avocado, kale and brussel sprouts – the Herbaceous family is rich in carcinogens, which help break down the build up of harmful toxins. This process is what makes Asparagus a cancer fighting machine! Did you know that Asparagus helps our brain by fighting cognitive decline? Forget the beauty cream.. stock up on this veggie and get your anti-aging on!

As promised, your new go-to, Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Sauce over Asparagus Recipe!

Ingredients:
1 15oz jar of chopped roasted red bell peppers
3 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted
½ large onion, diced
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
½ cup cashews
¼ cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
ground black pepper, to taste
sea salt, to taste
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons fresh minced basil
1 bunch of asparagus

Instructions:
1. In a blender, puree roasted red peppers and pine nuts. Set aside.

2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat until hot. Add onion and crushed red pepper; cook about 5
minutes or until beginning to brown and stick to the skillet. Stir in garlic and broth; cook 1 minute.

3. Blend red peppers, pine nuts, cashews, and add water depending on the consistency.

4. Transfer to the skillet and stir in parsley, Italian seasoning and sea salt and pepper, to taste.

5. Prepare asparagus in a pan, cooking to your desired crunchiness. Chop asparagus into smaller pieces and cover with Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Sauce!

P.S. This sauce can be added to an array of veggies, vegan pastas, quinoa creations, and more.. Get creative!

Questions: Are you saucy, like me? What’s your favorite part of this recipe? Any requests for future Meatless Monday meals? Please post your feedback in the comments below, I love hearing from you!

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