Dad’s Simple Spinach Soup (Vegan Stracciatella)
I have such fond memories of eating this soup as a little girl with my dad.He would always sing “I’m Popeye the Sailor Man, I’m strong to the finich, Cause I eats me spinach… ” and then flash his muscles. At that time he had…
Italian Minestrone (vegan+gluten free)
As an Italian American I grew up eating minestrone soup. I have tried numerous variations of this comforting Italian classic, all tasty in their own way. But when your very own Italian grandfather tries your version and exclaims THIS IS THE BEST YET! you write…
Vegan Spaghetti and Broccoli Aglio E Olio
This is a special dish my grandmother taught me to make when I was a teenager living with her. It was one of our favorite meals to share together. Traditionally this dish gets it’s flavor from not only the olive oil and fresh garlic, but…
Grandma’s Plant-Based Italian Meatballs
Growing up, my grandmother always made meatballs and pasta, along with a million other foods, for Sunday family dinner. Before she could even finish frying them up, my grandfather, The Boss, would sneak one, ok maybe more than one, off the plate in the kitchen,…
Baked Ziti
I make this Italian favorite every year for holidays and special events or for dinner guests. Who doesn’t love pasta all baked to perfection with pockets of creamy ricotta smothered in marinara! For another favorite recipe check out our White Lasagna (soy free) http://bellavirtue.com/eat/vegan-white-lasagna-soy-free-gluten-free-oil-free/ Baked…
Creamy Whole Tomato Soup with Cashews and Roasted Red Pepper
This tomato soup is made with whole boiled roma tomatoes, creamy cashews, and a sweet caramelized roasted red bell pepper. Okay so at first glance this may seem intimidating. Yes it has a lot of steps, but I assure you they are not complicated. This…
Vegan White Lasagna (soy free, gluten free, oil free)
This beautiful white lasagna with tiny pops of green color is the perfect creamy Italian dish. Made with a tahini white bean ricotta, and a cauliflower cashew alfredo. This is a labor intensive meal made with love. But not to worry, all the components can…
Walnut & White Bean Meatballs (vegan, gluten free, soy free)
Walnut & White Bean Meatballs (vegan, gluten free, soy free) Makes: 12-15 meatballs Cooking Time: 50 minutes INGREDIENTS: 1 cup Raw Walnuts 1 1/2 cups Cooked White Kidney Beans (cannellini beans) 1/2 Yellow or White Onion 2 Garlic Cloves 2 Tbs Tomato Paste 1 Tbs…
Baked Frittata Hashbrown Casserole (vegan, oil free)
This baked frittata made with blended tofu scramble and topped with seiten sausage all on a creamy cashew hashbrown bake is the perfect casserole to make for holiday brunch or to take to an event. It’s so easy to make and bake ahead of time…
Vegan Italian Prosciutto and Peas Pasta Alfredo (no cholesterol)
**NOW WITH A FAT FREE/NUT FREE ALFREDO VERSION** Prosciutto (or as my grandfather pronounced it Pra-jewt! complete with the classic italian hand gestures) is Italian dry-cured ham. Traditional Prosciutto and Peas Pasta is made with lots of butter and heavy cream making this delicious Italian…