Tini’s Creamy Mac and Cheese – A Plant-Based, Comforting Favorite
Craving a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish? Tini’s Creamy Mac and Cheese is here to fulfill your taste buds! This plant-based mac and cheese is rich, velvety, and made with simple, wholesome ingredients. Perfect for a cozy meal, a family dinner, or as a comforting side dish.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (or any pasta of your choice)
- 1 cup raw cashews (soaked for at least 2 hours, drained)
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast (for that cheesy flavor)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric (for color)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or vegan butter)
- 1/2 cup vegan cheese (shredded, optional for extra creaminess)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta:
- Boil the elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted water according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Make the Creamy Sauce:
- In a blender, combine the soaked and drained cashews, almond milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, turmeric, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add more almond milk, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil (or vegan butter) over medium heat. Pour the creamy sauce into the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to heat through.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat the noodles in the creamy sauce. If desired, stir in shredded vegan cheese for extra creaminess and melt.
Serve:
- Once the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce, serve immediately.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and enjoy your creamy, comforting mac and cheese!
Why You’ll Love Tini’s Creamy Mac and Cheese:
- Rich & Creamy: The cashews create a smooth, creamy sauce that rivals traditional cheese-based mac and cheese.
- Plant-Based & Dairy-Free: No dairy required! This mac and cheese is perfect for vegans, those with lactose intolerance, or anyone looking to enjoy a healthier version of this comfort food.
- Quick & Easy: It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight meal or side dish.
- Customizable: Feel free to add veggies like broccoli, peas, or spinach to make it even more nutritious!
Serving Tips:
- Top with breadcrumbs: For a crispy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top of the mac and cheese and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Serve as a side or main: Pair with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Add protein: Stir in some cooked chickpeas, lentils, or tofu for an extra protein boost.
Final Thoughts:
Tini’s Creamy Mac and Cheese is the ultimate plant-based comfort food. It’s rich, cheesy (without the cheese!), and incredibly satisfying. Whether you're serving it for dinner, at a gathering, or as a side dish, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone. Quick to make, customizable, and delicious—this vegan mac and cheese is a must-try!
Feel free to share this recipe on your website, and don't forget to comment below if you try it! Looking for more plant-based recipes? Check out our other vegan comfort foods on the website!
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