We were really craving a traditional favorite last night... macaroni & cheese! Yet, the typical recipe has almost zero nutritional value! Especially, macaroni and cheese out of a box. Talk about preservatives, food dyes, GMO's, bleached flours, and so on. Gross. No thank you! You are definitely not doing your body any favors when you eat that crap.
So, how do you turn a traditionally unhealthy dish, healthy? With whole ingredients! Instead of just dairy and refined carbs, this version of vegan mac & cheese has butternut squash, quinoa noodles, fresh herbs and spices. Talk about a good hearty meal using plant-based ingredients! No Yellow 5 in this dish, people.
Creamy Vegan Mac & Cheese
2015-08-25 11:40:19
Serves 4
This mac and cheese is not only creamy and full of flavor, but full of nutrients!
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
10 min
Total Time
25 min
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size
80g
Servings
4
Amount Per Serving
Calories 203
Calories from Fat 74
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 8g
13%
Saturated Fat 4g
22%
Trans Fat 0g
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Monounsaturated Fat 3g
Cholesterol 18mg
6%
Sodium 324mg
14%
Total Carbohydrates 23g
8%
Dietary Fiber 7g
30%
Sugars 2g
Protein 13g
Vitamin A
6%
Vitamin C
2%
Calcium
8%
Iron
10%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your Daily Values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Ingredients
- 1 package pasta, gluten-free (8oz)
- 1 small butternut squash (~2 cups cooked/mashed)
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 Tbsp vegan butter (e.g. earth balance spread)
- 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
- 1/2 cup dairy-free milk (soy, almond, etc)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp basil, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Chop Garlic: Chop, press or mince garlic and let rest for 5-10 minutes (this enhances health-promoting benefits of garlic).
- Prepare Butternut Squash: While your garlic is resting, chop butternut squash into small chunks and remove skins. Add to medium pot, cover with water, and bring to boil. Boil for 5-10 minutes, or until soft.
- Prepare Pasta: Follow the directions on the pasta to prepare.
- Prepare Cheeze Sauce: Add butternut squash, garlic, butter, nutritional yeast, dairy-free milk, pepper, salt, and red pepper into a food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Prepare Mac & Cheeze: Mix pasta with cheeze sauce and basil. Serve and enjoy!
Tips
- 1. You can replace fresh butternut squash with sweet potato or canned pumpkin!
Happy Body Kitchen https://happybodykitchen.com/
