Creamy, fresh and full of flavour, this Al Limone Bean Pasta combines cannellini beans, lemon, tahini and nutritional yeast to create a silky sauce without any dairy. It is simple to prepare, naturally plant-based and ready in just 15 minutes—proof that delicious food doesn’t need to be complicated!
Drain the cannellini beans, reserving the liquid from the tin. Measure 100ml of this liquid and pour it into a high-speed blender.
Add the cannellini beans, lemon juice, tahini, olive oil and 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and add more nutritional yeast or seasoning if desired.
Bring a large saucepan of salted water to the boil. Add the pasta and cook it for around 2 minutes less than the time indicated on the packet, so that it remains al dente. Before draining, reserve a cupful of the pasta water.
Return the drained pasta to the saucepan. Add the creamy lemon and cannellini bean sauce, together with approximately half a cup of the reserved pasta water.
Stir everything together over a low heat until the pasta is evenly coated and the sauce becomes smooth and silky. Add a little more pasta water if needed. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper—this dish works particularly well with plenty of freshly ground black pepper.
Divide the pasta between serving bowls. Finish with the lemon zest, a drizzle of olive oil, chilli flakes, an extra sprinkle of nutritional yeast and more black pepper.
Notes
This pasta is best served immediately. If reheating leftovers, add a splash of water to loosen the sauce and restore its creamy texture.
Darryl Grima is VeggyMalta's Founder. He became vegetarian over 30 years ago and over the years became totally plant based. He recalls a time when Malta was not so vegetarian and vegan friendly. Apart from campaigning and raising awareness on plant based issues he is also active in environmental and animal welfare organisations.
He holds a Diploma in Political Studies and a Masters in Business Administration.
