Tasty and Meatless - Recipe

Serves 6

1 package firm, silken tofu
1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped fine
1 tablespoon fresh tarragon, chopped fine
1-2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped fine
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon ground pepper (or to taste)
1 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
1 cup plain soymilk
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese or soy Parmesan alternative, grated
1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)

1 package fettuccini noodles (or any pasta you prefer)

Alfredo creamy pasta sauce has long been a NO-NO on most peoples’ lists of high-fat, high-cholesterol, and high-calorie food. But now you can have this sinful dish without the guilt! This creamy alfredo pasta sauce is another excellent example of how tofu becomes invisible and is a great substitute for dairy cream.

Break the tofu into chunks and place in a blender or food processor. Add the garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, salt, and 3/4 cup of the soymilk. If you want, at this time, add the fresh herbs. They will turn the sauce a beautiful light green when blended, so if you prefer the sauce to be white, wait to add the fresh herbs until after you’ve blended the ingredients. Blend everything until very smooth and creamy while scraping the sides occasionally. Add more soymilk a little at a time to make the sauce to your desired thickness. Pour the sauce into a medium size saucepan and keep over low heat. Add the cheese and cook while constantly stirring until the cheese is just melted (about 2-3 minutes). Do not boil or cook too long (the sauce will turn lumpy and separate). Add more soymilk if a thinner sauce is desired and add the fresh spices at this time if you prefer the sauce white. Quickly adjust seasonings after tasting by adding more salt or pepper as desired. You can add a little olive oil right before removing the pan from the heat to make the sauce richer in flavor. Remove from the stove but keep covered. Cook the pasta as directed on the package and strain completely. Place the hot pasta in a large dish and pour the sauce over it. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and the other herbs and serve immediately.