Name: High Protein Vegan Broccoli Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 3/4 cup (135g) red lentils; 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast; 1/4 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 teaspoon turmeric; 2 tablespoons tapioca starch; 2 teaspoons salt (or to taste); 1/2 cup (120ml) nondairy milk, unsweetened and unflavored; 1/2 cup (56g) vegan cheddar shreds; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (or to taste); 1 box Banza chickpea pasta (8 ounces/227g); 1 broccoli crown (cut into pieces; about 20 ounces/600g)

why make this recipe

High Protein Vegan Broccoli Mac and Cheese is a delicious twist on a classic comfort food. This recipe is packed with nutrients and flavor, making it a great choice for anyone looking to enjoy a hearty meal without sacrificing their dietary preference. It combines high-protein lentils with chickpea pasta and fresh broccoli, creating a filling dish that won’t leave you feeling sluggish. Plus, it’s entirely plant-based and can be made in about 30 minutes!

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how to make High Protein Vegan Broccoli Mac and Cheese

Ingredients:

3/4 cup (135g) red lentils
3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon turmeric
2 tablespoons tapioca starch
2 teaspoons salt (or to taste)
1/2 cup (120ml) nondairy milk, unsweetened and unflavored
1/2 cup (56g) vegan cheddar shreds
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (or to taste)
1 box Banza chickpea pasta (8 ounces/227g)
1 broccoli crown (cut into pieces; about 20 ounces/600g)

Directions:

Start by soaking the red lentils in a small bowl with enough water to cover them by about 1/2 inch. Let them soak for 5 minutes (this will be around 1 1/2 to 2 cups of water). Once soaked, drain the water.
In a medium saucepan, pour in the lentils and cover them with 2 cups (480ml) of fresh water. Bring to a boil and let them cook on high heat for about 20 minutes, until they become soft and mushy.
While the lentils are cooking, prepare the broccoli. Cut it into small florets and chop the stems into bite-sized pieces.
Once the lentils are ready, they should be very mushy. Pour them into a blender along with the nutritional yeast, paprika, turmeric, tapioca starch, salt, nondairy milk, vegan cheddar shreds, and garlic powder. Blend everything on high until the mixture is very smooth. It will appear thin and liquidy, but this is normal.
In a large pan, add the broccoli pieces and pour in 1/2 cup (120ml) of water. Cover the pan with a lid and steam the broccoli on high heat for about 8 to 10 minutes, until tender. You can add a tablespoon or two of water if needed while steaming.
Meanwhile, boil the Banza chickpea pasta in a medium saucepan until it is slightly undercooked. Once ready, strain the pasta and add it to the pan with the steamed broccoli.
Finally, pour the cheese sauce from the blender into the pasta and broccoli mixture. Cook it on medium-low heat for about 2 to 3 minutes, until the cheese sauce thickens. Taste the dish and add any additional seasonings if needed.
Serve warm and enjoy! For an extra kick, add buffalo sauce and vegan ranch on top.

how to serve High Protein Vegan Broccoli Mac and Cheese

This dish can be served as a main meal or a side dish. Pair it with a fresh salad for a complete meal. You can also serve it with some hot sauce or a drizzle of vegan ranch on top.

how to store High Protein Vegan Broccoli Mac and Cheese

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze the mac and cheese in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

tips to make High Protein Vegan Broccoli Mac and Cheese

Make sure to blend the lentils well to achieve a smooth cheese sauce.
Adjust the seasoning according to your taste. You can add more salt or spices for extra flavor.
If you’d like more veggies, consider adding peas or spinach to the dish.

variation

You can easily customize this recipe by adding different vegetables, such as sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers. You can also use different types of pasta, such as whole wheat or gluten-free pasta.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.

2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, using Banza chickpea pasta makes this recipe gluten-free. Just ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

3. How can I make this dish spicier?
You can add some red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños into the cheese sauce for extra heat.