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- Prepare Cashews: In a bowl, soak cashews in boiled water, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and let them soak for 30 minutes to soften.
- Cook Spaghetti: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, approximately 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Roast Garlic: While the cashews are soaking, roast garlic cloves in a pan with their shells intact over medium heat until browned on both sides and softened. Once roasted, pop the cloves out of their shells and set aside.
- Sauté Onion and Tomatoes: In a large pan, sauté chopped onion and fresh tomatoes until softened and aromatic.
- Prepare Sauce: In a blender, combine soaked cashews (drained), coconut milk, roasted garlic cloves, lemon juice, tomato paste, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried arbol peppers (if using), tapioca starch, almond milk, salt, and organic sugar (if desired). Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Combine Sauce with Vegetables: Pour the blended mixture into the pan with sautéed onions and tomatoes. Add a bunch of fresh spinach leaves (they will shrink down when cooked). Whisk the sauce on medium-high heat until it begins to thicken.
- Add Spaghetti: Add the cooked spaghetti to the pan and toss until evenly coated with the sauce. Cover and cook for a couple of minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Once heated through, serve the Creamy Cajun Cashew Pasta with Spinach hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning if desired.
Tips:
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning and dried arbol peppers according to your spice preference.
- For a smoother sauce, you can strain it through a fine mesh sieve before adding it to the pan.
- Substitute tapioca starch with cornstarch if desired, but adjust the quantity as needed for thickening.
- Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Serve the pasta with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information:
Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 550
- Total Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 68g
- Dietary Fiber: 7g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 15g
This Creamy Cajun Cashew Pasta with Spinach offers a delightful blend of creamy textures and bold flavors, making it a perfect choice for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal. Enjoy the rich and indulgent taste of the cashew-based sauce combined with the aromatic Cajun spices, all complemented by the vibrant freshness of spinach.
