Name: Creamy Vegan Mac & Cheese Without Cashews
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 1 cup yellow potatoes (unpeeled, chopped in small cubes); 1/2 cup carrots (peeled, chopped in small pieces); 1/4 cup onion (diced); 1 cup water; 8 oz macaroni noodles (or noodles of choice); 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour; 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1/2 cup unsweetened non-dairy milk (such as soy or almond); 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp salt; 2 tbsp nutritional yeast; 1/2 tsp dijon mustard; 1 Tbsp lemon juice; 1/2 tsp turmeric; Pinch pepper

why make this recipe

Creamy Vegan Mac & Cheese Without Cashews is a delightful, dairy-free comfort food that is easy to make and full of flavor. Whether you’re vegan, lactose intolerant, or just looking for a healthier version of a classic dish, this recipe hits the spot. With wholesome ingredients like potatoes, carrots, and nutritional yeast, you get a creamy and delicious sauce that everyone will enjoy.

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how to make Creamy Vegan Mac & Cheese Without Cashews

Ingredients :

1 cup yellow potatoes (unpeeled, chopped in small cubes)
1/2 cup carrots (peeled, chopped in small pieces)
1/4 cup onion (diced)
1 cup water
8 oz macaroni noodles (or noodles of choice)
3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup unsweetened non-dairy milk (such as soy or almond)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp nutritional yeast
1/2 tsp dijon mustard
1 Tbsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp turmeric
Pinch pepper

Directions :

Start by dicing your onion, potatoes, and carrots into small cubes and pieces. The smaller they are, the faster they will cook.
In a medium saucepan on your stove, add the onion, potato, and carrots with 1 cup of water. Bring it to a boil, cover, and then simmer for 8-10 minutes until the potatoes and carrots are fork-tender.
While the veggies cook, heat the olive oil in a small saucepan over low-medium heat. Slowly add in the flour while whisking until it’s well combined.
Turn the stove to medium heat. Slowly add the non-dairy milk and keep whisking. In about 1-2 minutes, the mixture will thicken quickly. Once it forms a dough ball, remove it from the heat so it doesn’t burn.
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente or to your liking.
Once the veggies are tender, drain them but save the cooking liquid in a bowl.
In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine the veggies, flour mixture, spices, dijon mustard, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, and 1/4 cup of the saved veggie liquid. Blend on high for 1-2 minutes until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of the veggie liquid at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
Pour the sauce over the cooked noodles and gently mix. Enjoy your creamy vegan mac & cheese!

how to serve Creamy Vegan Mac & Cheese Without Cashews

Serve Creamy Vegan Mac & Cheese in a warm bowl. You can top it with extra nutritional yeast or some chopped fresh herbs if you like. It makes for a great side dish or main course that everyone can enjoy.

how to store Creamy Vegan Mac & Cheese Without Cashews

If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay good for about 3-4 days. You can reheat the mac and cheese in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of non-dairy milk to get the creamy texture back.

tips to make Creamy Vegan Mac & Cheese Without Cashews

Make sure to chop your vegetables small so they cook evenly and blend easily.
Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste.
If you like a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some red pepper flakes.

variation

You can add more veggies like spinach, peas, or broccoli to the dish to enhance the nutrition. For a different flavor, try adding some smoked paprika for a smoky taste.

FAQs

Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes! You can use any type of pasta you prefer, whether it’s gluten-free or whole grain.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
If you use gluten-free pasta and flour, this recipe can be made gluten-free.

Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the pasta, though the texture may change slightly when thawed. It’s best to consume it fresh.