Maple Curry Penne

Long time no recipe. Give me a break, I'm living my best self. Sometimes that doesn't always include sharing my recipes. Also, I am a firm believer that if I share something with you all, it has to be good/ family approved. I made this for my family today and so now I want to share it with you.

Here's the twist, this isn't made with dairy. I know! It's tummy happy for everyone. It's made with a can of coconut milk. So basically, it can be vegan, or not vegan and tummy friendly. If you want to add chicken, go for it, if you don't, don't. I think this would also really be tasty served on spaghetti squash or rice noodles.

Here is what you need:

- 1 Onion, sliced lengthwise in thin strips

- 3 cloves of garlic

- 1 Red bell pepper

- 3 Carrots, julienned or sliced thinly (optional, you may not like getting more veggies)

- Chopped Chives

- 2 tablespoons of vegan margarine

- 1/4 cup of maple syrup

- 3/4 cup of vegetable broth (or chicken if you aren't doing the vegan thing)

- 1 can of full fat coconut milk

- 2 tablespoons of mild curry paste

- Penne (I don't know your life, make as much as you want)

- Chicken (optional, I suggest you just make it before and shred it, add it at the end)

Notes on the coconut milk:

That hard stuff on the top of the can of coconut milk? That's the fat, you need to remove the coconut fat and keep it for later. In the can I used, there was a lot of it and that helped thicken the sauce. All you need to do is scoop out the fat and put it on a plate then pour the liquid in. Sometimes you will get a can with no fat separation, honestly, I don't know how to fix that for you. Try a few brands, or buy two different brands one from the health food section and another in the regular food section. I hope it works for you.

Here's how to make it:

Step 1: In a large frying pan sauté the onion and garlic on a low to medium setting. I used 4.

Step 2: Add margarine and curry paste. Let it cook for a few minutes. Stirring to make sure the onions are nicely coated. Turn down the heat to a low setting, I used 2.8.

Step 3: Add maple syrup. Start boiling water for penne and make penne once it's boiling.

Step 4: Add broth and coconut milk. Bring this mixture to a boil and let it reduce by half. During this process, I add the bell pepper, carrots, and chives.

Step 5: Add Chicken, or vegan alternative

Step 6: Add coconut fat, let it melt into the sauce.

Step 7: Once penne is ready, add it to the sauce, mix and serve.

Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoy!

Samantha