Vegan Mac and Cheese

Macaroni and cheese is a beloved comfort food that has stood the test of time, satisfying cravings across generations. This creamy, cheesy dish evokes nostalgia and warmth, often reminding us of home-cooked meals and family gatherings. Traditionally made with dairy, the classic mac and cheese recipe has found a fresh and exciting twist in the vegan culinary world. Enter the "Creamy Dreamy Vegan Mac & Cheese" — a rich, velvety alternative that not only honors the beloved original but also offers a healthier, plant-based take without compromising on flavor or texture.

Discover the comforting delight of creamy dreamy vegan mac and cheese, a plant-based twist on a classic favorite! This recipe uses wholesome ingredients like cashews and nutritional yeast to create a rich, velvety sauce that preserves the nostalgic flavors of traditional mac and cheese. Perfect for vegans and anyone wanting a healthier alternative, this dish is packed with nutrients and can be customized with your favorite veggies or spices. Indulge in this guilt-free comfort food that promises satisfaction with every bite!

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Ingredients

2 cups elbow macaroni (gluten-free if desired)

1 cup raw cashews (soaked in water for at least 4 hours or overnight)

1 cup nutritional yeast

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon turmeric (for color)

1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, cashew, or oat)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Cashew Cream: In a high-speed blender, combine the soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, turmeric, salt, black pepper, and plant-based milk. Blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. This might take a couple of minutes.

Heat the Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once warm, pour in the cashew cream mixture. Stir continuously and heat for about 5-7 minutes until the sauce is warmed through and has started to thicken slightly.

Combine: Add the drained macaroni to the saucepan and stir well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more plant-based milk to achieve your desired creaminess.

Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or chives if desired.

Enjoy!: Dig into your creamy, dreamy vegan mac and cheese, savoring every cheesy bite!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 servings