Imagine a creamy, decadent mac and cheese that's not only completely vegan but also infused with the intoxicating aroma of white truffle oil. This isn't just another plant-based pasta dish - this is a gourmet experience that will transform your perception of comfort food forever. With just 30 minutes of cooking time, you can create a restaurant-worthy meal that's both sophisticated and soul-satisfying, proving that vegan cuisine can be incredibly luxurious and indulgent.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 1 cup cashews, soaked
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons white truffle oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Soak cashews in hot water for at least 30 minutes prior to cooking to ensure a smooth, creamy sauce. If possible, soak overnight for best results.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Drain the soaked cashews and rinse thoroughly under cold water. Transfer to a high-speed blender.
- Add nutritional yeast, white truffle oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt to the blender with the cashews.
- Blend the mixture on high speed until completely smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
- Pour the cashew sauce over the cooked macaroni and stir gently to ensure even coating. Warm the mixture over low heat if needed.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, truffle oil, or nutritional yeast as desired.
- Serve immediately while hot, garnishing with fresh herbs or additional truffle oil if preferred.
Tips
- Cashew Soaking is Key: For the smoothest, creamiest sauce, soak your cashews overnight or at least 30 minutes in hot water. This ensures a silky texture without any graininess.
- Blending Technique Matters: Use a high-speed blender and blend for a full 2-3 minutes to achieve that perfectly smooth, restaurant-quality sauce.
- Truffle Oil Wisdom: Add truffle oil gradually and taste as you go. A little goes a long way - you want a hint of truffle, not an overwhelming flavor.
- Consistency Control: Reserved pasta water is your secret weapon for adjusting sauce thickness. Add it slowly to reach your desired creaminess.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed hot, right after preparation. The sauce tends to thicken as it cools, so time your serving perfectly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 0mg
