Mushrooms with smoky paprika replace of bacon in this plant-based take on an Italian classic, forming part of the vegan Healthy Diet Plan
Prep:20 mins
Serves 4
360g wholewheat spaghetti85g unsalted cashew nuts2 tsp bouillon powder2 tsp English mustard powder1 tsp olive oil200g baby chestnut mushrooms, halved and thinly sliced3 garlic cloves, 2 finely grated1 tsp smoked paprika2 courgettes (about 320g), peeled then grated4 tsp nutritional yeast flakes, optional320g spinach, half cooked each evening as a side dish
STEP 1Boil the spaghetti for 10 mins or following pack instructions until al dente, reserving a little of the water. Put the cashews, bouillon and mustard in a bowl, then pour over 350ml boiling water.STEP 2Heat the oil in a large non-stick pan. Add the mushrooms and grated garlic, and stir-fry over a high heat until the mushrooms are cooked and starting to crisp up. Take off the heat, stir in the paprika, then tip onto a plate and set aside.STEP 3Add the grated courgette to the pan and cook, stirring every now and then until softened. Meanwhile, whizz the soaked cashews, whole garlic clove and nutritional yeast flakes, if using, with a hand blender until completely smooth. Tip the mixture into the pan with the courgettes and briefly stir over the heat.STEP 4Add the spaghetti and toss in the cashew and courgette mixture until well coated, then toss through the smoky mushrooms. If following the Healthy Diet Plan, serve half with half the spinach on the side, and chill the rest for another day. Will keep for three days. Reheat in a covered pan with a dash of water, and cook the remaining spinach to serve on the side.
