autumn/ mains + sides/ recipes/ season

Autumn Pumpkin Pasta

Autumn Pumpkin Pasta | Well and Full | #vegan #pumpkin #pasta

This blog has been, and always will be, a safe space for people of ALL backgrounds, religions, beliefs, genders, and ages to come together and celebrate their love for plant-based food. The only thing I’ve ever asked of my readers is to treat this space – and each other – with respect.

From the comments I’ve received here, I’ve learned that I have readers of all political affiliations coming to this blog. And whether you’re a Republican, Democrat, Libertarian, Independent, or Non-Affiliated, let me assure you that YOU ARE WELCOME HERE. I truly believe that if we want to be an inclusive country built on love and respect, we must first lead by example.

As to my own political convictions, I choose not to espouse them here because of personal reasons. However, I deeply respect bloggers who use their platforms to fight for their convictions (please see these posts by Keepin’ it Kind and Kale & Caramel).

But today, I’m breaking my silence, because of a very special person in my life. His name is Kevin.

When I was in middle school and high school, I was different. I was awkward and socially inept and I didn’t really have any close friends. Needless to say I was bullied. I won’t get into the sad details, because it is very painful for me to talk about. But eventually, the bullying grew so bad that I had to transfer to another school.

My first day at my new, Catholic high school was terrifying. Would the other kids like me? Would I be accepted? A period of uncertainty ensued. But then I met Kevin. He was in my grade, in my study hall, and he actually went out of his way to talk to me – a totally new experience. Before I knew it, we were best friends.

All throughout high school, we were like two peas in a pod. We were in the school musical together, we were both on the varsity Ultimate Frisbee team, we were in the Honors Choir together, we spent hours at each others’ houses. However, it wasn’t until college that Kevin told me he was gay. Of course, it changed nothing. The only emotion I felt was pride in him. I’m actually pretty sure I cried when he told me, I was so proud of him.

A few years after Kevin came out to me, I got a phone call from him saying that he was engaged to the love of his life, Scott. It was on the day that the Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage. Of course, being the waterworks that I am, I cried knowing that he finally had the freedom to express his love in the ultimate union between two souls. My heart overflowed with happiness for him, his fiancé, and all the people in America who would finally receive equal rights.

Having been raised as a young woman of Christ, I knew that this victory glorified Him too – for wherever there is love, God is also present.

It seemed like such a certain day  – that Love would prevail, and that nothing could stop this amazing and powerful Force.

But now, it seems, this Force is in jeopardy. America has elected a president who clearly does not respect the rights of women, immigrants, blacks, or any other marginalized group. And with this man they have elected a Vice President who – among many other things – has supported “conversion therapy” for LGBTQ+ people. The president-elect has openly said that one of his first priorities is to nominate a socially conservative Supreme Court Justice, opening the possibility of a regression of LGBTQ+ rights. When I realized this, my first thought immediately went to Kevin. What did this mean for his marriage? Would he still be able to marry his fiancé, Scott? (My second thought went to my rights, and my fellow sisters’ rights, of reproductive health, but that’s a WHOLE other topic.)

My heart broke knowing that someone I care about so much could be denied rights under this new regime of disunity and exclusion. Then my thoughts naturally went to the other LGBTQ+ people in my life – my cousins Dan and Julia, my friend Jared, to name a few. What did this mean for them, and their futures?

When you look at a group as an abstract concept, as words on a page – “LGBTQ+ People”, “Women”, “Blacks” – it’s easy to dismiss them. After all, especially if you don’t belong to that group, their worldview will seem less “real”. If you don’t live it, how can you understand it? But when you look at individuals, like my best friend Kevin, it suddenly all becomes clear. These are not just words on a page, these are PEOPLE, with REAL feelings and REAL lives and REAL experiences. They may believe in something different than you, or love someone different, but they’re HUMAN. And it is the shared HUMANITY that I beg the world to see.  

To all marginalized people – to women, blacks, the LGBTQ+ community, and all other minorities – my heart goes out to you. I STAND WITH YOU. You are not alone. We will fight, and we will get through this.

To any of you who may disagree with anything I’ve said – I invite you to respectfully state your opinion here, if you feel called to do so. Even though I feel a certain way, this is STILL a safe space for people of all ideologies and beliefs to gather. Disagreement should NEVER negate respect.

Thank you for reading.

With liberty and justice for ALL,

Sarah

Autumn Pumpkin Pasta | Well and Full | #vegan #pumpkin #pastaAutumn Pumpkin Pasta | Well and Full | #vegan #pumpkin #pasta

Autumn Pumpkin Pasta | Well and Full | #vegan #pumpkin #pasta

Autumn Pumpkin Pasta

This autumn pumpkin pasta is a perfect celebration of hearty fall flavors, and is certain to be a crowd-pleaser at your holiday table!
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 -6

Ingredients
  

The Pasta

  • 1 Lb Pasta of Your Choice

The Sauce

  • 2 Shallots Chopped
  • 4 Cloves Garlic Minced
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil for Sauté
  • 1 Cup Pumpkin Puree Canned or Homemade
  • 1/2 Cup Canned Diced Tomatoes
  • 3-4 Large Fresh Basil Leaves
  • 1/2 Tsp Black Pepper
  • 1/4 Tsp Salt or more to taste

The Rest of the Pasta

  • 1-2 Handfuls Arugula
  • Lots of Fresh Cracked Pepper

Instructions
 

  • Start by cooking the pasta according to the package directions.
  • While the pasta is cooking, chop the shallots and mince the garlic.
  • When pasta is done cooking, remove from heat and drain water. Then, put the pasta back in the pot and drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil (to prevent the pasta from sticking together).
  • Then, bring a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil in a sauté pan to medium-high heat. Add the shallots, and sauté for about ten minutes, until shallots have softened.
  • Then, reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté until the garlic is JUST browned (it cooks quickly - be careful not to burn!!)
  • Once garlic is slightly browned, add in diced tomatoes and sauté for about five minutes, to let the flavors really mix.
  • Then, add tomato/shallot/garlic mixture to a blender with pumpkin purée, basil leaves, salt, and pepper. Blend on high until everything is smooth and creamy.
  • Pour the pumpkin sauce over the pasta and mix completely. If desired, add in 1-2 handfuls of arugula for a nice peppery flavor.
  • Serve pasta in bowl, with lots of extra fresh cracked pepper on top.
  • Enjoy!

Autumn Pumpkin Pasta | Well and Full | #vegan #pumpkin #pasta

Quote of the Day:

You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the sons of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself; I am the LORD.

Leviticus 19:18

37 Comments

  • Reply
    Maya | Spice + Sprout
    November 10, 2016 at 9:40 am

    <3

    • Reply
      Sarah
      November 10, 2016 at 10:25 am

      <3 <3 <3

  • Reply
    Abby @ Heart of a Baker
    November 10, 2016 at 9:53 am

    THIS. I love you for writing this, many hugs and love sister.

    • Reply
      Sarah
      November 10, 2016 at 10:26 am

      Hugs, sister <3

  • Reply
    Maura Paulekas
    November 10, 2016 at 9:54 am

    Love is love is love is love.

    • Reply
      Sarah
      November 10, 2016 at 10:26 am

      Sending all my love to your family Mrs. P <3

  • Reply
    Casey
    November 10, 2016 at 10:04 am

    5 stars
    Thank you SO much for these words. As a gay man, I am scared. I have so many friends who are trans, POC, LGBT, immigrants, and/or women and they are all so scared and their IS validity in their/our fear. SO thank you. <3

    And yummy pasta, too. <33

    • Reply
      Sarah
      November 10, 2016 at 10:27 am

      Sending all my love, Casey. We WILL get through this <3

  • Reply
    Amy G.
    November 10, 2016 at 11:13 am

    Thank you for sharing not only a delicious recipe, but also your convictions in the wake of a harrowing election. I am especially happy to hear what you said here as a queer woman myself, AND that you buck the stereotype of the less-accepting and not-so-open-minded Christian person. THANK YOU. xoxoxo

    (I can’t wait to try the recipe – it sounds so yummy!)

    • Reply
      Sarah
      November 10, 2016 at 11:25 am

      Thank you so much for leaving a note, Amy <3 I stand in solidarity with you. Sending hugs and love!!

  • Reply
    amanda
    November 10, 2016 at 6:40 pm

    hugs. thank you for sharing your story.

    • Reply
      Sarah
      November 10, 2016 at 6:55 pm

      <3 Thank you Amanda

  • Reply
    dixya @food, pleasure, and health
    November 10, 2016 at 6:42 pm

    reason #1000001294032 why i love coming to your space.

    • Reply
      Sarah
      November 10, 2016 at 6:55 pm

      Sending love, Dixya <3 <3

    • Reply
      Katie
      October 3, 2019 at 2:35 pm

      Love is love is love!!

      Quick question- can I use a small food processor for this recipe? My blender broke :(

      • Reply
        Sarah
        October 3, 2019 at 2:39 pm

        Hi Katie! You could definitely try making this sauce in a food processor, but it may not be as smooth! I think it’ll still taste great though :)

  • Reply
    Virtual Coffee Date - Food, Pleasure, and Health
    November 11, 2016 at 6:08 am

    […] immigrant woman, I am fearful, confused, and still shocked..I found some comfort reading post via Sarah and Michelle. If we were having coffee this morning, I’d tell you that I attended […]

  • Reply
    Sara @ Cake Over Steak
    November 12, 2016 at 4:01 pm

    Thank you for sharing such an honest and thoughtful response to this whole situation. As an agnostic who grew up in a Christian household, I truly TRULY respect your opinion that homosexuality is nothing to worry about, because where there is love, there is God. I wish everyone could see it that way, because I wholeheartedly agree. If people could look at the entire world that way, we’d be in a much better place right now. Thank you.

    • Reply
      Sarah
      November 12, 2016 at 8:08 pm

      I really appreciate your comment, Sara. I know that my opinion isn’t the typical to many other Christians, but I believe that true religion transcends dogma and judgement, and should be a genuine expression of love. I hope that one day, more people in the world can see it that way too :)

  • Reply
    Katie
    November 12, 2016 at 6:23 pm

    Thank you for your kind words–we need more of this love in the world!!

    • Reply
      Sarah
      November 12, 2016 at 7:59 pm

      <3 Sending hugs, Katie :)

  • Reply
    Good good links #169 – Let's get living
    November 12, 2016 at 8:05 pm

    […] Autumn Pumpkin Pasta via Well and Full […]

  • Reply
    Maca Hot Chocolate | Well and Full
    November 13, 2016 at 4:55 pm

    […] of all, I want to thank you all for the amazing support I received in response to my last post. I was a bit nervous about writing something political in this space, but the importance of […]

  • Reply
    Julia F
    November 14, 2016 at 1:29 pm

    Thanks for mentioning me, Sarah. This means a lot to me. ❤️

    • Reply
      Sarah
      November 14, 2016 at 1:33 pm

      Love you, Juje <3

  • Reply
    Joyce @ The Hungry Caterpillar
    November 14, 2016 at 10:48 pm

    Two things.
    A) The idea of combing arugula and pumpkin sounds amazing and
    B) Thanks for sharing your story about your friend. I am scared for many marginalized people in this country, as well.

    • Reply
      Sarah
      November 15, 2016 at 7:09 am

      A) It IS a pretty delicious flavor combo ;)
      B) Thank you for your note, and I really appreciate your support. <3

  • Reply
    traci | Vanilla And Bean
    November 15, 2016 at 12:07 pm

    I’m with you, Sarah! Thank you for sharing your convictions. This is important. I’m still perplexed from what we’ve collectively done. And I’m listening and learning, trying to make some sense out of the chaos in my head. I’m not sure I ever will. Much love to you for your courage and love. (I’m all heart eyes over your pumpkin pasta – LOVE!).

    • Reply
      Sarah
      November 15, 2016 at 3:50 pm

      Thank you so much for your note, Traci <3 I'm still pretty perplexed about this too... I still don't understand how we got here. But the only thing we can really do is keep educating ourselves and being voices for reason. <3

  • Reply
    Emily
    November 15, 2016 at 8:05 pm

    Get it, girl :)

    • Reply
      Sarah
      November 15, 2016 at 9:23 pm

      ;) <3

  • Reply
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  • Reply
    Cassandra
    October 17, 2018 at 4:04 pm

    Just wondering, do you strain the diced tomatoes or use the juice that comes in it? Thanks!

    • Reply
      Sarah
      October 17, 2018 at 10:11 pm

      You use the tomatoes and the juice they’re in :)

  • Reply
    Mel
    November 1, 2018 at 9:53 am

    Such a wonderful change to read a food blog post about something that matters! This is my first time on your blog, and I really appreciate your words (and the recipe!). Thank you for sharing your story and your courage in speaking up for what you believe in.

    • Reply
      Sarah
      November 1, 2018 at 2:30 pm

      Thank you so much for your kind words, Mel! I was really nervous sharing this post, but I’m proud of myself for standing up for my friend and for what I believe in :)

  • Reply
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