Vegan  Mac and Cheese

Yield

4 people

Time

25 minutes

This vegan mac and cheese recipe from scratch is the absolute best rendition of the classic comfort food but also good for you. 

Ingredients

The Cheese Sauce – 1 medium onion diced – 4 garlic cloves thinly sliced – 2.5 cups raw cashew pieces – 2.75 cups water – 1/2 cup nutritional yeast – 1/2 lemon juiced – 1 Tbsp onion powder – 3/4 tsp garlic powder – 1 tsp dijon mustard – 3/4 tsp smoked paprika – 1.5 tsp sea salt or to taste Topping – 1 cup panko bread crumbs – 2 Tbsp olive oil or as needed – 1 tbsp fennel seeds optional Garnish – onion chives, scallions, smoky tempeh bits, chili flakes, crispy fried onions etc

1. If not using a Vitamix or other powerful blender, make sure to soak the cashews in hot water for a couple of hours.

2. Preheat a heavy bottom skillet over medium heat with a good drizzle of olive oil. Add the chopped onion, a pinch of salt and saute until softened and you start seeing some color. Stir in the garlic and cook an additional 30 seconds or so, just until the garlic is fragrant taking care not to burn it.

3. Transfer the cooked onion and garlic to the blender together with the cashews (drain if you soaked them), water, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, onion and garlic powders, paprika, mustard and salt.

4.  Process on the smoothie setting until completely smooth and creamy. Transfer to a large skillet and bring to a bubble. Simmer for a couple of minutes constantly sitting until the sauce starts to thicken.

5.  Meanwhile bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a heavy sprinkling of salt and cook the macaroni until al dente, following the instructions on the package. Drain well then add the cooked macaroni to the skillet with the cheese sauce and toss until combined.

6.  Crispy Bread Crumb Topping Preheat a skillet over medium high heat, add a couple of tablespoons of olive oil and stir in the fennel seeds. Toast until fragrant then add the panko bread crumbs. Toss to coat well and allow to toast for a few minutes until golden brown to your liking but stirring often.

7.  Season with a pinch of sea salt flakes and spoon over the macaroni and cheese before serving. Garish with thinly sliced scallions, onion chives. chili flakes or black pepper.

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