Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese Without Cashews: A Deliciously Easy Recipe

Vegan Mac And Cheese Without Cashews? You heard right! This recipe ditches the nuts for a creamy, cheesy sauce made from simple plant-based ingredients. Get ready for a comforting bowl of pasta perfection that’s easy to make and even easier to devour.

The Secret to Cashew-Free Vegan Mac and Cheese

Many vegan mac and cheese recipes rely on cashews for their creamy texture and neutral flavor. But what if you’re allergic, watching your fat intake, or simply don’t have any on hand? This recipe utilizes a clever combination of potatoes and carrots for creaminess, nutritional yeast for that cheesy tang, and a few pantry staples to bring it all together. The result? A sauce so delicious, you won’t even miss the cashews!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup peeled and diced potatoes (about 1 medium)
• 1 cup peeled and diced carrots (about 2 medium)
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Let’s Get Cooking!

1. Cook the pasta: Cook the macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

2. Sauté the aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

   Sauteed Onions and Garlic

3. Simmer the veggies: Add diced potatoes and carrots to the pot. Pour in vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are tender.

   Simmering Potatoes and Carrots

4. Blend it all up: Carefully transfer the cooked vegetables and broth to a high-speed blender. Add nutritional yeast, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, turmeric powder, salt, and pepper. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.

   “For an extra smooth sauce, I recommend blending in batches and using the tamper tool if your blender has one.” – Chef Amelia Greentree

5. Combine and serve: Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni. Stir to coat evenly. Warm the mac and cheese over low heat for a few minutes, or serve immediately.

   Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese Without Cashews

Tips for the Best Vegan Mac and Cheese

• Adjust the consistency: If the cheese sauce is too thick, add a little more vegetable broth, one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
• Boost the flavor: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices! Smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, or a pinch of cayenne pepper can add another dimension of flavor.
• Add some toppings: Take your mac and cheese to the next level with delicious toppings like breadcrumbs, chopped fresh herbs, a drizzle of hot sauce, or crumbled vegan bacon.

Vegan Mac and Cheese: Your Questions Answered

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite pasta shape. Shells, rotini, and penne all work well in this recipe.

How do I store leftover vegan mac and cheese?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Can I freeze this recipe?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the mac and cheese before adding the sauce. Freeze the cooked pasta and sauce separately, then combine and heat when ready to serve.

Is nutritional yeast necessary?

Nutritional yeast is what gives the cheese sauce its cheesy flavor. While it can be omitted, it won’t have the same taste or nutritional value.

What can I substitute for Dijon mustard?

If you don’t have Dijon mustard, you can use yellow mustard or even a pinch of mustard powder.

This creamy vegan mac and cheese without cashews is sure to become a new family favorite. It’s comforting, flavorful, and proves that you can enjoy cheesy goodness without any dairy or nuts. For other delicious and family friendly vegan meals or if you’re looking for vegan recipes for picky eaters, check out our other recipes on Purely Vegan. Now, grab your ingredients and get ready for a delicious and satisfying meal!