Bayou Eggplant and Cauliflower Pasta

Serves 4 to 6

www.ZsusVeganPantry.com

1 medium eggplant, cut into ½-inch slices

Sea salt

2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

1 ½ tablespoons seasoned, Cajun seasoning salt (such as Emeril’s Essence), divided

1 medium onion, minced

1 habanero chili, seeded and minced

6 garlic cloves, minced

3 cups unsweetened plain vegan milk

1 tablespoon cornstarch

½ medium head cauliflower, cut into florets and steamed

1 medium tomato, diced

1 pound linguine, cooked al dente

½ cup chopped green onions, green parts only

1. Put the eggplant slices in a large bowl, sprinkle them with 1 teaspoon salt, and allow them to sit until they have released some of their moisture, about 20 minutes. Pat the slices with a paper towel to remove the moisture and some of the salt. Dice the slices into ½-inch pieces.

2. Heat a large cast iron pan over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Add the eggplant and ½ tablespoon of the seasoning salt. Cook and stir the eggplant until golden. Remove it from the pan and set aside.

3. Return the pan to medium-high heat. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, onion, and habanero. Cook and stir the onion and habanero for 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds.

4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk and cornstarch. Add it to the pan with the onion mixture along with the remaining 1 tablespoon of seasoning salt, cooked eggplant, steamed cauliflower, diced tomato, and cooked linguine. Cook and stir for 3 to 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning. Sprinkle with the green onions and serve.