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Vegan Mac & Cheese

Creamy Vegan Mac & Cheese with a Tangy Twist

This Creamy Vegan Mac & Cheese is a delightful dairy-free recipe that uses sauerkraut for a tangy twist, perfect for any gathering.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Soaking Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Vegan
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cheese Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 cup raw cashews soaked
  • 1 medium russet potato
  • 1 cup water or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup sauerkraut or pickled green olives
  • 1/2 cup nutritional yeast or vegan cheese blend
  • 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon ground mustard or Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin omit for a less spicy flavor
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or white pepper
For the Pasta & Topping
  • 8 ounces medium shells or gluten-free pasta
  • 1 cup panko bread crumbs or regular bread crumbs
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves or 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 2 tablespoons refined coconut oil or vegetable oil
  • 1 medium white onion or yellow onion
  • 1 medium medium yellow pepper or red bell pepper
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce such as Cholula, omit if desired

Equipment

  • large pot
  • medium saucepan
  • High-speed blender
  • skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Boil a large pot of salted water. Add medium shells and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil. Sauté chopped onion and yellow pepper for 5-7 minutes until soft.
  3. Blend sautéed vegetables with cashews, potato, water, sauerkraut, nutritional yeast, vinegar, mustard, cumin, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  4. Mix the blended cheese sauce with drained pasta in the blender, pulsing gently to coat the shells evenly.
  5. In a skillet, heat oil and add panko and thyme, stirring until golden brown for the topping.
  6. Serve Vegan Mac & Cheese in a dish and top with toasted panko and thyme, enjoy hot.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 12gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gSodium: 600mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 6gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 70mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Soak cashews for creamy texture; use a high-powered blender for best results. Adjust seasoning to taste before serving.

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