Imagine diving into a bowl of irresistibly creamy, dairy-free mac n cheese that's so decadent, you'll forget it's completely plant-based. This isn't just another vegan recipe – it's a game-changing culinary experience that proves plant-based eating can be mind-blowingly delicious. With a silky smooth cashew-based sauce that rivals traditional mac n cheese, this recipe will make you question everything you thought you knew about comfort food. Get ready to transform your dinner routine and impress even the most skeptical dairy lovers!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup cashews, soaked
- 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Soak cashews in hot water for at least 30 minutes prior to cooking to soften and ensure smooth blending.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a 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.
- In a high-speed blender, combine soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, almond milk, lemon juice, garlic powder, and salt. Blend on high speed until completely smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Transfer the blended cashew sauce back to a large skillet or saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the sauce, gently stirring to ensure each pasta piece is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and heat through completely.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, garlic powder, or nutritional yeast as needed.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of additional nutritional yeast.
Tips
- Cashew Soaking is Key: Always soak cashews in hot water for at least 30 minutes to ensure a ultra-smooth, creamy sauce. The longer they soak, the silkier your sauce will be.
- Blend Like a Pro: Use a high-speed blender and blend the sauce for a full 2-3 minutes to achieve that perfectly smooth, restaurant-quality texture.
- Nutritional Yeast Hack: Don't skimp on the nutritional yeast – it's the secret weapon that gives your sauce that authentic cheesy flavor.
- Temperature Control: Heat the sauce gently to prevent separation and maintain that luxurious creamy consistency.
- Season Boldly: Taste and adjust seasonings. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility – feel free to add extra garlic powder or nutritional yeast to suit your palate.
- Make It Your Own: Experiment with add-ins like roasted vegetables, crispy breadcrumbs, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika to elevate the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 0mg
