If you’re looking for a delicious and indulgent comfort food recipe that is also vegan-friendly, then this Easy Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese is just what you need. This mac and cheese recipe is rich, creamy, and full of flavor, making it the perfect dish for those cozy nights in or family gatherings.
The secret to this vegan mac and cheese’s creamy texture lies in the combination of cashews and nutritional yeast. Cashews, when soaked and blended, create a smooth and velvety sauce that mimics the richness of dairy. Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor without the use of any dairy products.
To make this mac and cheese recipe even more delicious, you can add in some roasted vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower. Not only does this add a pop of color, but it also provides additional nutrients. Serve this vegan mac and cheese as a main dish or as a side dish alongside your favorite protein or salad. It’s sure to be a hit with both vegans and non-vegans alike!
EASY CREAMY VEGAN MAC AND CHEESE
To make this vegan mac and cheese, you’ll need:
- 1 1/2 cups cooked elbow macaroni
- 1 cup raw cashews
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Start by cooking the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. In the meantime, prepare the creamy sauce by blending together the cashews, vegetable broth, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.
Once the macaroni is cooked, drain it and return it to the pot. Pour the creamy sauce over the macaroni and stir until well coated. Heat the mixture over medium-low heat for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Serve the easy creamy vegan mac and cheese hot and enjoy a comforting and delicious meal. You can also customize this recipe by adding some cooked vegetables like broccoli or peas, or even some vegan bacon or vegan cheese alternatives. It’s a versatile recipe that can be adapted to your liking.
Ingredients
In order to make this delicious and easy creamy vegan mac and cheese, you will need the following ingredients:
1. Pasta: Choose your favorite type of pasta for this recipe. Macaroni is traditionally used, but you can also use shells, penne, or any other small pasta shape.
2. Cashews: Soaked cashews will be blended with other ingredients to create a creamy sauce. Cashews provide a rich and creamy texture to the mac and cheese, making it taste indulgent.
3. Nutritional Yeast: This ingredient adds a cheesy flavor to the dish. Nutritional yeast is a common ingredient in vegan cheese recipes.
4. Plant-based Milk: Use a dairy-free milk of your choice, such as almond, soy, or oat milk. This will help to thin out the cashew sauce and make it creamy.
5. White Miso Paste: This ingredient adds depth of flavor and a hint of umami to the mac and cheese sauce. It is a fermented soybean paste commonly used in Japanese cuisine.
6. Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: These seasonings will give the mac and cheese a savory flavor. Make sure to use powdered forms rather than fresh garlic and onion.
7. Dijon Mustard: A small amount of dijon mustard adds tanginess and helps to balance the flavors in the sauce.
8. Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness and freshness to the mac and cheese.
| Ingredients: | Quantity: |
|---|---|
| Pasta | 8 ounces |
| Cashews | 1 cup |
| Nutritional Yeast | 1/4 cup |
| Plant-based Milk | 1 cup |
| White Miso Paste | 1 tablespoon |
| Garlic Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Onion Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Dijon Mustard | 1 teaspoon |
| Lemon Juice | 1 tablespoon |
With these ingredients, you will be able to prepare a delicious and creamy vegan mac and cheese that is sure to satisfy your cravings. Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or spices to make it even more flavorful!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make creamy vegan mac and cheese:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a separate saucepan, melt the vegan butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Slowly pour in the plant-based milk while whisking continuously. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens and comes to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, and salt. Stir well to combine and let the sauce simmer for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the saucepan and stir until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
- Optional: For an extra cheesy flavor, stir in some vegan shredded cheese until melted and creamy.
- Remove from heat and let the mac and cheese sit for a few minutes to thicken. Serve hot and enjoy!
This recipe makes a delicious and satisfying vegan mac and cheese that even non-vegans will love. The creamy sauce is made from a combination of vegan butter, plant-based milk, and flavorful seasonings. Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy taste without any animal products, making it the perfect substitute for traditional mac and cheese. Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite veggies or protein for an extra kick of flavor and nutrients.
