Cheesy Vegan Mac and ‘Cheese’

VEGAN

You’ll learn how delicious dairy-free macaroni and cheese can be after you try this recipe!

  • 8 oz Whole-grain macaroni elbows
  • 1 head Broccoli florets cut into small bites (about 1 ½ to 2 cups) (optional)
  • 1 ½ tbs Avocado oil or extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 small Yellow onion, chopped (about 1 ½ cups)
  • 1 cup Russet potato, peeled and grated (4 ounces, about 1 small or ½ medium potato) 
  • 3 cloves Garlic, pressed or minced
  • ½ tsp Garlic powder
  • ½ tsp Onion powder
  • ½ tsp Dry mustard powder
  • ½ tsp Fine sea salt, to taste
  • ⅔ cup Raw cashews, presoaked for 4 hours if needed for blender
  • 1 cup Water, more as necessary
  • ¼ cup Nutritional yeast 
  • 2-3 tsp Apple cider vinegar or distilled white vinegar, to taste
  • Small pinch of red pepper flakes
  1. Bring large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta according to package directions. If using broccoli, stir it into the pot when just 2 to 3 more minutes remain. Drain, and transfer the contents to a large serving bowl.  
  2. Meanwhile, in medium-to-large saucepan, warm oil over medium heat. Add onion and a pinch of salt and cook, stirring often, until onion is tender and turning translucent, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add grated potato, garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, salt and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine; cook, stirring constantly for about 1 minute to enhance flavor. 
  4. Add cashews and water and stir. Let mixture come to a simmer. Continue simmering, stirring frequently and reducing heat as necessary to avoid a rapid boil, until potatoes are completely tender and cooked through, about 5 to 8 minutes.
  5. Pour mixture into a blender. Add the nutritional yeast and 2 teaspoons vinegar. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth, about 2 minutes, scraping the sides if necessary. If it won’t blend easily or if you prefer a thinner consistency, add water in ¼ cup increments, blending after each one.
  6. Taste and blend in additional salt and vinegar to taste. Pour sauce into the bowl of pasta. Stir until well combined and serve immediately. 

Serves 2-4 | Prep Time 30-40 min