Vegan Italian: The Roundup

Whew! You know how they say that when it rains, it pours. Well, like all cliches, this one's absolutely true.

This past week I was blindsided by a crush of time-consuming surprises, as a result of which I was forced to put off posting all those wonderful recipes all of you sent in for It's A Vegan World: Italian. My apologies, but here it finally is!

Pat yourselves on your backs-- you were incredible. Vegan cooking can be a challenge even to those of us who do it every day, and Italian food without cheese can be particularly daunting. But not only did all of you rise spectacularly to the occasion, you positively dazzled me as you will everyone else once they see what you cooked up!

I am really looking forward to another successful month, this time of Vegan Mexican food. Come on, you guys, it's easy! In fact, I already have a few entries, but I am hoping for many, many more.

But first, enjoy this roundup, everyone-- you did it!

Aparna makes a gorgeous Minnestrone with black-eyed beans, vegetables and pesto.



Aquadaze's Fusilli in Sun-dried Tomato Pesto is perfect Italian comfort food.



Asha makes a simple but utterly flavorful Grilled Grapefruit and Zucchini Salad


The always sunny Cham contributes an aromatic and gorgeous Farfalle With Cilantro Pesto.


A clever use of turmeric makes Deesha's Lemon-Flavored Fettucine with Broccoli Florets a feast for the eyes and stomach.


DJ Karma sends in some incredibly hunger-inducing Crispy Baked Eggplant and Cauliflower Bread. Now here's a dinner to love.

Food Fanatic's Pasta Penne with Garlic and Mustard Sauce: even the title makes my mouth water.


Gayathri steals my desi heart with her Pasta Cooked with Indian-style Sauce.


The sunny and energetic Harini sends in two gorgeous creations: Pasta with Pesto, and Kidney Bean and Brown Rice Risotto.

Jo's hearty and beautiful White Bean Tomato Stew makes me so hungry!


Madhuram, who never ceases to amaze me with her creativity, comes up with three gems: the jewel-hued Pasta with Creamy Tomato Sauce, Pizza Pepporanata and Spaghetti with Kidney Bean Sauce.





Meera, always fresh and prolific, sets a record with SIX lovely dishes: Pasta Con Melanzane E Pomodori, Fusille with Spinach and Beans, a White Bean and Spinach Soup, Pasta Puttanesca, Tomato-Dill Soup, and Butternut Squash Soup with Toasted Walnuts. Hats off, Meera!


Mia flavors her spectacular Pizza Rustique with an unusual ingredient: ajwain!


Mints' simple but delicious Spaghetti will have you rushing for second helpings!


Miri's Aubergine and Eggplant Tofu Bake is vibrant with the flavors of basil, cumin and tabasco. Delicious.


Pavani's Potato Pizza doesn't just make for great alliteration: it sounds so divine, I feel I've died and gone to heaven!


Pavithra cooks up a herby and fragrant Foccaccia, as well as Spaghetti with Spinach Walnut Pesto. Yum.


Priya of Akshayapaatram, and next month's host of It's A Vegan World, sends in an exquisite and colorful Panzanella: a rustic bread salad.


Priya Narasimhan sends a delectably creamy Soymilk Pasta


The incredibly prolific Priyasuresh sends not one but three delicious recipes: an Onion Foccacia, a spicy Fusilli with Broccoli and Sprouted Moong Dal, and a Cauliflower, Broccoli and Pasta Soup.


Rekha sends a beautiful and healthy Orzo Pasta Soup with Mushrooms.



I live to eat potatoes, and these healthy, roasted beauties from Sangeetha sound like a perfect excuse to indulge!



Soma uses an iron skillet to mix up some magic into her already delicious Spaghetti.



This beautiful Easy Eggplant Bake from Suganya makes me want to rush into the kitchen and start cooking!

Susan 's beautifully appetizing Eggplant Caponata: now how great does that look?


Sushma makes an Indian-style pasta and stirs in garam masala and chaat masala for an explosion of flavors.



Swapna Pravin's Pasta Salad is also a feast for the eyes.


Sweatha serves up an incredibly flavorful and healthy Peasant-style Cabbage Soup.


The Budding Cook, always delightful with her creative and beautiful dishes, scores again with Pasta e Ceci (Pasta with Chickpeas)

Uma Ramesh sends two delicious takes on polenta: Polenta with Sauteed Vegetables and With a Creamy Sauce.

Lemon and pasta are an incredible flavor combination, and Usha's Lemon Pasta Salad is bound to win over any palate.


Varsha's Multicolored Crostini looks eminently snackable.


Smoky bell peppers and tomatoes make perfect mates in this beautiful creamy soup from Vidhas.


Artichokes and olives! Healthnut Yasmeen served up these delicious veggies with a gorgeous rotini pasta.

And here are some recipes I made for the event:


Gnocchi With Sundried Tomato Pesto


Pappardelle Pasta with Asparagus and Green Pepper Frittata


Amaretti Cookies

Rustic Tuscan Bread



Angel Hair Pasta With Green Beans and Mushrooms

Roasted Vegetable Lasagna


Pizza Topped With Tandoori Tofu

If I missed adding any of your recipes, please, please drop me a note. It is not intentional, and I'll correct any oversights immediately.