Emergency Make-Pretend Sausage Spaghetti

Ingredients:

• 2-3 C. cooked or canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2-3 Tbsp. tomato paste
• 1/2-1 tsp. smoked paprika
• 1 Tbsp. dried thyme
• 2 Tbsp. dried parsley
• 1 Tbsp. shitake powder
• 2 tsp. oregano
• 2 T. Worcestershire sauce (or Soy Sauce if  100% vegan)
• 1/4 C. beer, stock, or water
• 1/4-1/2 C. finely chopped cooked mushrooms (optional)
• 1 Quart of your favorite “red sauce”*

To Serve:

• “Pasta” of whatever kind you eat
• Kalmata olives, finely chopped
• Fresh basil
• Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet (12″) over medium heat, add the chickpeas, mushrooms (if using), garlic, paprika, and tomato paste.  Stir fry for 2-3 minutes.
2. Add thyme, parley, shitake powder, and oregano.  Stir to combine.
3. Add Worcestershire sauce and beer or stock.  Stir to combine.
4. Cook until dried spices are well hydrated and most of the moisture has evaporated.
5. Add the red sauce.  Stir to combine.  Let simmer whilst cooking whatever pasta noodles you’re using.
6. Serve.

Cook’s Notes:

* I use Mario Batali’s Basic Red Sauce recipe.  We usually make giant batches and then bottle it for convenience.