Name: Creamy Vegan Mac & Cheese Without Cashews
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup yellow potatoes, unpeeled and chopped in small cubes; 1/2 cup carrots, peeled and 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

This Creamy Vegan Mac & Cheese Without Cashews is a delightful, comforting dish that everyone can enjoy. It’s perfect for those looking for a vegan alternative to traditional mac and cheese without using cashews. This recipe uses wholesome ingredients, making it a nutritious choice. Plus, it’s easy to make, and you can have a creamy and cheesy tasting dish in no time!

🧰 Kitchen tools commonly used in similar recipes

Before starting, many home cooks like to have these basic tools ready:

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

Dice your onion, potatoes, and carrots into small cubes and pieces. The smaller, the better, because they will cook faster.
In a medium saucepan on your stove top, add onion, potato, and carrots with 1 cup of water. Bring to boil, cover, and turn down to simmer for 8-10 minutes until potatoes and carrots are fork-tender.
While the veggies are simmering, heat olive oil in a small saucepan over low-medium heat. SLOWLY add in the flour and whisk until combined.
Turn up the stove to medium heat, then SLOWLY add milk while whisking. In 1-2 minutes, the mixture will start to thicken quickly. Keep whisking until it forms a dough ball. Once that happens, remove it from heat to prevent burning.
Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente or to your preference.
Once the veggies are fork-tender, drain them but SAVE THE LIQUID in a bowl.
In a food processor or high-speed blender, add 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 tbsp of veggie liquid at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
Pour the sauce over the cooked noodles and gently mix. Enjoy!

how to serve Creamy Vegan Mac & Cheese Without Cashews

Serve your creamy vegan mac and cheese warm, straight from the pot. You can sprinkle some extra nutritional yeast or herbs on top for added flavor. Pair it with a side salad or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.

how to store Creamy Vegan Mac & Cheese Without Cashews

To store leftovers, let the mac and cheese cool down, then transfer it to an airtight container. Place it in the refrigerator, where it will keep for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to a month. When ready to eat, simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of non-dairy milk if needed for creaminess.

tips to make Creamy Vegan Mac & Cheese Without Cashews

Make sure to chop your vegetables into small pieces for quicker cooking.
Use a high-speed blender to get a smooth and creamy sauce.
Adjust the seasonings to your taste; feel free to add more garlic powder or nutritional yeast for a cheesier flavor.

variation

You can add different veggies like spinach or broccoli for extra nutrition. If you prefer a smoky flavor, try adding a bit of smoked paprika.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta you like, including gluten-free options.

Is this recipe nut-free?
Yes, this recipe does not contain any nuts, making it suitable for those with nut allergies.

Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and store it separately from the pasta. Simply combine them when ready to eat.