Vegan Mac and Cheese

Mac and Cheese sure is delicious. It’s creamy, oo-ey and goo-ey, and full of great umami flavor from the salty, scrumptious cheese that’s added along with milk, butter, and sometimes cream. It’s a comfort food for many. However, it’s not so great for the environment, or for cows, so Vegans, the health conscious, and folks who care about the Earth have to miss out on this luxurious food. Well, no longer do they have to sit in despair, because Vegan Mac and Cheese is here! It uses a magical sauce made with raw cashews, nutritional yeast, and turmeric to give it that signature yellow color. This recipe will truly satisfy your cravings for mac and cheese, and it will be better for your health and the environment as well!

Recipe

  • 1 box pasta (8 ounces)
  • 1 cup cashews (raw, unroasted)
  • 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
  • 1 white onion (diced)
  • 1 carrot (peeled, julienned)
  • 2 celery stalks (cut into 1/2 inch pieces)
  • 1 cup mushrooms (sliced, white button or baby Bella)
  • 1 bag frozen broccoli or 1 head broccoli (cut into florets)
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic or 3-4 cloves
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 tablespoon mustard (Dijon or Whole Grain)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon liquid aminos
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Pinch of saffron
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Sriracha Sauce (Optional)

Step 1

Start boiling a large pot of water. When it comes to a boil, add a pinch of salt and the pasta to the water, cook according to the box directions, then drain once cooked.

Step 2

Heat a large skillet over medium heat, then add 1 tablespoon of olive oil then the onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for 2 minutes, then add the garlic and mushrooms and cook for another minute. Turn the heat off once the veggies are cookies, and add them to a large bowl.

Step 3

Get out a food processor or powerful blender, then add the cashews, nutritional yeast, Italian seasoning, liquid aminos, garlic powder, turmeric, black pepper, salt, then saffron. Add desired amount of water (changes sauce thickness) and blend until it becomes a smooth consistency. Add the sauce to the drain pasta, and stir until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.

Step 4

Cook the frozen broccoli in the microwave according to its package directions, and once it is cooked add it to the veggie bowl. Finally, add the pasta to the veggies, and stir until everything is combined. Add sriracha sauce to give it a spicy, tasty kick, and enjoy!