Gnocchi with spicy tomato sauce (Ela Vegan) is a super-simple supper (potato gnocchi is quicker to cook than pasta, in 3 minutes or so). Add to boiling water, then when the gnocchi rises to the top of the pan, it’s ready. Flavoured with red pepper flakes, this a take on pasta arrabbiatta (‘angry sauce!) Gnocchi is so-called as the pieces look like ‘knuckles’ (Italian translation). Mr Organic is a good brand (or bakers can make their own). Serve this dish with vegan Parmesan.
Avoid tomatoes for nightshade allergies (avoid cherry tomatoes for choking hazards). Keep tomato recipes away from pets due to salt, onion, garlic etc (green tomato plants are toxic to pets, horses & donkeys). Read more on keeping people & pets safe in the kitchen.
To skin a tomato, place a small cross in the bottom, cover with boiling water for 30 seconds, drain and pour cold water over. Due to lycopene (a red phytochemical) they are good for prostate issues – if you get up all night to pee, try a tomato soup or salad!
pasta with artichokes & sun-dried tomatoes
Pasta with artichokes & sun-dried tomatoes (Short Girl, Tall Order) is a recipe that makes use of two affordable convenience foods – tinned artichokes and sun-dried tomatoes (both usually packed in oil which gives a fatty flavour to fill you up, and tastes great too). Combined with capers, olives, garlic and shallots, this is a pasta flavour bomb! Serve with plastic-free pasta.
tomato, cucumber & onion salad
This simple tomato, cucumber & red onion salad (Broke Bank Vegan) is a step up from the ‘slice of lettuce, cucumber and tomato) for a side salad. Made with Roma, cherry or grape tomatoes, the recipe also uses fresh herbs, garlic, Dijon mustard, seasoning, vinegar/lemon juice for tang and olive oil.
