Toppings For Pasta

Asked by wouglas. Answered on 12th June 2016

Full question

I'm a vegan but love Nigella's vegetarian pasta recipes, many of which contain parmesan cheese. Can you recommend a non-dairy addition which would keep my pasta dishes from becoming bland with the omission of parmesan?

Our answer

Many of Nigella's pasta recipes have vegetable-based sauces and parmesan cheese is sometimes used to add an extra depth of flavour. If the parmesan is only used in small quantities, usually sprinkled over the pasta, then you can usually omit it and add a pinch or two of salt (to taste) to the sauce. Italians have historically used olive oil fried breadcrumbs instead of parmesan in some pasta dishes, to add some extra flavour and texture. A squeeze of lemon juice added to a vegetable pasta sauce can also help to lift it and prevent it from being bland.

So you may like to try Nigella's Spaghettini With Lemon & Garlic Breadcrumbs (from NIGELLISSIMA) or try the Pasta With Cougettes without the parmesan and with some breadcrumbs sprinkled on top. The Linguine With Lemon, Garlic And Thyme Mushrooms (from NIGELLA EXPRESS) would also work well with a sprinkling of crunchy breadcrumbs instead of parmesan.