Are you craving a comforting bowl of mac and cheese but want to keep it healthy and vegan? Look no further! This "Healthy Comfort Food Vegan Mac and Cheese" is not only creamy and delicious but also packed with nutrients that will leave you feeling satisfied without the guilt. With just 25 minutes of your time, you can whip up a dish that will impress your family and friends alike. Say goodbye to boring meals and hello to a cheesy delight that will make your taste buds dance! Ready to dive into the creamy goodness? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 cup cashews (soaked)
- 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
- 1/4 cup almond milk
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Soak cashews in hot water for at least 30 minutes prior to cooking to ensure a creamy sauce texture. If time allows, 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.
- Drain the soaked cashews and rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch.
- In a high-speed blender, combine soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, almond milk, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Blend until completely smooth and creamy, scraping down sides as needed.
- Transfer the blended cashew sauce to a large skillet or saucepan. Warm over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent scorching.
- Add cooked macaroni to the sauce, gently folding and stirring to ensure each pasta piece is evenly coated.
- If the sauce seems too thick, add a little more almond milk to reach desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Serve immediately while hot, garnishing with optional fresh herbs like chives or parsley if desired.
Tips
- Soak Cashews for Creaminess: For the best texture, soak your cashews in hot water for at least 30 minutes before blending. If you have time, soaking them overnight will yield an even creamier sauce.
- Perfect Pasta: When cooking the elbow macaroni, make sure to salt the water generously. This will enhance the flavor of the pasta, making your dish even more delicious.
- Blend Thoroughly: Use a high-speed blender to ensure your sauce is completely smooth. Scrape down the sides as needed to achieve that velvety consistency.
- Adjust the Sauce: If your cheese sauce is too thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash more of almond milk until you reach your desired creaminess.
- Season to Taste: Always taste your sauce before mixing in the pasta. Adjust the seasonings to your liking for a personalized flavor experience.
- Garnish for Flair: Serve your vegan mac and cheese hot, garnished with fresh herbs like chives or parsley to add a pop of color and extra flavor.
- Make it Your Own: Feel free to add in some steamed vegetables like broccoli or peas for added nutrition and color.Enjoy your cooking adventure and savor every bite of this delightful vegan mac and cheese!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 300kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
