Hey, how are you doing today? I wanted to share a fantastic recipe with you that I think you'll love! Are you someone who craves the delicious taste of mac and cheese but can't tolerate dairy? No problem, this dairy-free mac and cheese recipe is perfect for you! It's so easy to prepare and won't take up too much of your time. While your pasta is boiling, you can quickly blend the plant-based sauce, which is made with cashews, nutritional yeast, and spices. This combination of ingredients gives the sauce a rich and cheesy flavor without any dairy.
And the best part? This recipe can be adapted to a gluten-free diet too! You can use your preferred gluten-free pasta, such as brown rice pasta or chickpea pasta. These options work perfectly with the vegan cheese sauce, and the result is just as delicious and satisfying. Overall, this dairy-free mac and cheese recipe is a great choice for anyone looking for a simple, healthy, and tasty meal that is both dairy-free and optionally gluten-free. So, why not give it a try and let me know how it turns out for you? So, here's a delicious recipe for Vegan Mac and Cheese:
Ingredients:
2 cups of elbow macaroni or the pasta variety of your choice
1 cup peeled and diced potatoes
1/2 cup peeled and diced carrots
1/2 cup raw cashews
1/3 cup nutritional yeast
1/4 cup coconut oil or vegan butter
1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk or any plant-based milk
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder (optional, for color)
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
To cook your preferred pasta, bring a generously salted pot of water to a boil. Follow the cooking instructions on the package and cook until the pasta reaches your desired level of tenderness. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Vegetables:
In a pot, combine the diced potatoes, carrots, and cashews. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
- Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a blender, combine the cooked vegetables and cashews with nutritional yeast, coconut oil (or vegan butter), almond milk, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, onion powder, turmeric powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Tip:
Add Seasonings: Experiment with additional seasonings to enhance the flavor. Consider a pinch of smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.
Extra Nutritional Yeast: For a cheesier flavor, you can add more nutritional yeast to the sauce. Adjust according to your taste preferences.
Roasted Garlic: Roast a few cloves of garlic and blend them into the cheese sauce. Roasted garlic adds a rich and savory depth of flavor.
Blend in Steamed Veggies: Introduce steamed vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or peas to the mac and cheese for added texture and nutrition.
Use High-Quality Vegan Cheese: If available, you can incorporate high-quality vegan cheese or a combination of different plant-based cheeses for a more complex flavor profile.
- Combine Sauce and Pasta:
Next, pour the creamy and delicious cheese sauce over the pasta. Make sure to pour enough sauce to evenly coat the pasta. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, gently stir the pasta and sauce together, ensuring that every strand of pasta is fully coated in the cheese sauce. Continue stirring until the pasta is well coated and the sauce has blended in nicely with the pasta
Tip:
Creamy Nut Butters: Add a spoonful of creamy nut butter like almond or cashew to the sauce for extra creaminess and nutty undertones.
Grilled or Sautéed Onions: Sautéed or caramelized onions can contribute sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish
- Adjust Consistency:
If you find that the sauce you're preparing has a thick consistency that you're not satisfied with, you can easily adjust it by adding a bit more almond milk to the mixture. Pour in the milk gradually, stirring continuously until you reach your desired consistency. This will help you achieve a smoother and more even texture for your sauce.
- Serve:
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve the vegan mac and cheese immediately while it's warm.
Tip:
Garnish Creatively: Get creative with garnishes. Consider topping your mac and cheese with sliced cherry tomatoes, avocado, or even a drizzle of truffle oil.
Experiment with Pasta Shapes: Try using different pasta shapes to make the dish visually appealing. Shapes like shells, spirals, or bowties can add a fun element.
- Optional Baking:
If you prefer a baked version, transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs if desired, and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
Tip:
Top with Herbs or Bread Crumbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, on top for a burst of freshness. Alternatively, add a crunchy texture with breadcrumbs or a crispy topping before baking.
Enjoy your creamy and flavorful Vegan Mac and Cheese! It's a plant-based twist on a classic comfort food.
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