Creamy Cashew Ricotta Beet Pasta: A Flavorful Vegan Delight

Step 1

To make Cashew Ricotta: Preheat oven to 400°F. Slice off top of garlic head, drizzle with 1 tsp. oil, and wrap in parchment paper, then in foil. Roast 1 hour, or until soft.

Step 2

Rinse and drain soaked cashews, and transfer to food processor. Add remaining 1 Tbs. oil, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, salt, and vinegar. Squeeze roasted garlic from cloves into food processor, and blend until smooth. Transfer to medium bowl.

Step 3

To make Linguine: Bring beets and enough water to cover by 1 inch to a boil in large saucepan. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer 35 to 40 minutes, or until beets are tender. Drain beets, and slip off skins under cool running water. Coarsely chop beets, and set aside.

Step 4

Heat 1 Tbs. oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, and sauté 8 to 10 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low, and cook 15 minutes more. Stir in balsamic vinegar and mirin. Cook 2 minutes, or until liquid evaporates. Transfer onion mixture to food processor, add beets, and purée until smooth. Season with salt and pepper, if desired, and transfer to medium saucepan. Keep warm.

Step 5

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, reserving 3 Tbs. pasta water. Return pasta to pot; toss with beet sauce, remaining 1 1/2 tsp. oil, and reserved pasta water. Top each serving with 2 Tbs. Cashew Ricotta, and sprinkle with chopped parsley.