Vegan Orecchiette with Creamy Carrot Miso Sauce

A rich, velvety, and umami-packed pasta dish where tender orecchiette is coated in a luscious, miso-infused carrot sauce, bringing warmth, depth, and a hint of sweetness to every bite.

This recipe is a perfect fusion of comfort and nutrition, with roasted carrots providing natural sweetness and miso adding a savoury depth. The sauce clings beautifully to orecchiette, making each bite incredibly satisfying.

Ingredients:

For the Creamy Carrot Miso Sauce:

• 3 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 small shallot, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon white miso paste
• ½ teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 cup vegetable broth (or unsweetened plant-based milk for extra creaminess)
• ¼ cup unsweetened coconut milk or cashew cream
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt & black pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

• 8 oz (225g) orecchiette or pasta of choice
• ½ cup reserved pasta water
• ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds or crushed cashews (for topping)

Instructions:

1. Roast the carrots: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss chopped carrots with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, until tender and slightly caramelized.
2. Sauté aromatics: In a pan over medium heat, add the remaining olive oil. Sauté shallots and garlic until fragrant and soft, about 3 minutes. Add ginger and cook for another minute.
3. Blend the sauce: Transfer the roasted carrots, sautéed shallots, garlic, miso paste, vegetable broth, coconut milk, and lemon juice to a blender. Blend until smooth, adjusting with more broth or reserved pasta water if needed. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Cook the pasta: Boil orecchiette in salted water according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
5. Combine: Return the pasta to the pot and pour in the creamy carrot miso sauce. Toss to coat, adding pasta water gradually to achieve the desired consistency.
6. Serve: Divide into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, toasted sesame seeds, and chili flakes (if using).

Optional Additions:

Customize your pasta with these delicious extras:

• Sautéed mushrooms for extra umami.
• Blistered cherry tomatoes to add a juicy, tangy contrast.
• Steamed or roasted broccoli for added greens.
• A sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy, dairy-free boost.

This dish is a comforting yet vibrant take on a classic pasta meal, offering creamy textures and deep, rich flavours—all while being 100% plant-based!