Pumpkin Baked Penne with Caramelized Onions and Sage Crumb Topping

Ingredients

• 2 Onions, large
• ½ t Salt
• 2 T Olive Oil
• 12 oz Penne (uncooked)
• ¾ C Raw Cashew Pieces
• ¼ C Lemon Juice
• 2 T Olive Oil
• 4 Cloves Garlic, smashed
• 1 lb Firm tofu, drained
• 2 ½ t Basil, dried
• 1 ½ t Salt
• 15 oz Pumpkin Puree (1 can with no added spices, or from scratch)
• 1 T Brown Sugar
• ¾ t Ground Nutmeg
• ¼ t Black Pepper
• 1/8 t Cayenne
• ¼ C Vegetable Broth, low-sodium
• 1 ¾ C Panko (or homemade bread crumbs)
• ⅓ c Walnut Pieces, chopped until coarse crumbs (see variations, below)
• 4 T Olive Oil
• 3 t Rubbed Sage
• 1 ½ t Oregano, dried
• ½ t Paprika
• ¼ t Smoked Paprika
• Kosher Salt
• Freshly Ground Pepper

Instructions

1. 1 Put 2 T Olive Oil In: Put 2 T Olive Oil in a heavy pan, preferably cast iron, over medium heat.
2. 2 Slice The Onions Very Thin, Preferably: Slice the onions very thin, preferably using a mandoline or V-slicer.
3. 3 Add The Onions And The Salt: Add the onions and the salt to the pan, stirring occasionally, until caramelized, about 30-45 minutes. The onions should be dark golden with brown spots. Set the pan aside to make the topping.
4. 4 Prepare The Penne According To Package: Prepare the Penne according to package directions, or 10-12 minutes until al dente. Drain, then rinse in cold water and set aside.
5. 5 In A Food Processor Or Blender: In a food processor or blender, add the Cashew Pieces, Lemon Juice, Olive Oil and Garlic and then blend until a thick paste forms.
6. 6 With The Processor Running, Break Off: With the processor running, break off a piece of the tofu and add to the cashew mix. Continue adding a piece at a time until completely incorporated and blended smooth.
7. 7 Blend In The Salt And Basil: Blend in the Salt and Basil then transfer to a large mixing bowl.
8. 8 Add The Brown Sugar, Nutmeg, Pepper: Add the Brown Sugar, Nutmeg, Pepper, Cayenne, Pumpkin and Vegetable Broth. Mix until evenly combined, then stir in the Penne and Caramelized Onion. Season to taste, including more herbs/spices to your liking.
9. 9 Lightly Oil A 9X11 (Or Closest): Lightly oil a 9x11 (or closest) pan and add the pasta mixture, pressing lightly to level it.
10. 10 Wipe Any Large Bits Out Of: Wipe any large bits out of the pan used for the Onions, add 2 T Olive Oil and then heat on medium.
11. 11 Combine The Bread Crumbs, Walnuts, Sage: Combine the Bread Crumbs, Walnuts, Sage, Oregano, Paprika, Salt and Pepper in a bowl.
12. 12 Add The Mixture To The Pan: Add the mixture to the pan, stirring until evenly coated. Season to taste.
13. 13 Remove The Topping From The Heat: Remove the topping from the heat and sprinkle evenly over the pasta.
14. 14 Bake For 25-35 Minutes, 375 Degrees: Bake for 25-35 minutes, 375 degrees, until golden brown. Let set to cool for 10 minutes before serving.