SERVES 4 TO 5
By substituting extra-firm tofu for the ricotta traditionally used in stuffed shells, you can make your own vegan version that will fool them all. Feel free to add more fresh herbs, if you like, or omit the spinach.
COOKING SPRAY
1 (12-OUNCE) BOX JUMBO PASTA SHELLS
1 (14-OUNCE) BOX EXTRA-FIRM TOFU
½ TABLESPOON EXTRA-VIRGIN OLIVE OIL
2 TEASPOONS MINCED GARLIC
1 MEDIUM VIDALIA ONION, DICED
1 CUP FRESH CHOPPED BABY SPINACH
½ CUP FRESH CHOPPED BASIL LEAVES
3 TABLESPOONS NUTRITIONAL YEAST
1 TABLESPOON FRESH LEMON JUICE
SALT TO TASTE
FRESHLY GROUND BLACK PEPPER TO TASTE
3 CUPS VEGAN PASTA SAUCE
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Lightly oil a 9 x 13-inch glass baking dish.
3. Bring a large pot of water to boil and add the shells.
4. Cook the pasta to al dente according to the directions, and then drain and set aside.
5. Remove the tofu from the box and rinse in cool water. Wrap the tofu block in several layers of paper towels and place a heavy book on top of it. Press the tofu to extract the excess water, applying pressure as evenly as possible.
6. Transfer the pressed tofu to a food processor and blend until smooth.
7. In a skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and onion.
8. Cook the garlic and onion for about 5 minutes, until softened.
9. Stir in the spinach and basil and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes.
10. Spoon the blended tofu into the skillet and whisk in the nutritional yeast, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
11. Cook the mixture for 8 to 10 minutes, until most of the liquid has cooked off.
12. Spoon 1 cup of pasta sauce into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
13. Spoon 1½ to 2 tablespoons of the tofu mixture into each cooked shell and arrange the shells in the baking dish.
14. Pour the rest of the pasta sauce over the shells and cover the dish with foil.
15. Poke several holes in the foil to vent steam and then bake for 20 minutes, until heated through.
16. Let the shells sit for 10 minutes, covered, before serving.
Did you know that obesity is one of the most serious health problems in the United States and other Western cultures, but it is also one of the most preventable? Switching to a plant-based diet provides relief from a number of serious health problems and can also help you to reduce your calorie intake and maintain a healthy body weight.