Introduction: Indulge in the luxurious world of plant-based cuisine with our Gourmet Delight – a sophisticated twist on the classic Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese. This vegan rendition is a testament to the evolving culinary landscape, offering a palate-pleasing experience without compromising on taste or texture.
Plant-Powered Elegance: Crafted with finesse, our vegan mac and cheese exquisitely marries wholesome ingredients to recreate the creamy decadence of the traditional dish. The base is a velvety blend of soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and a harmonious medley of spices – creating a luscious sauce that rivals its dairy-laden counterpart.
The Roux Mastery: To elevate the dish to gourmet status, a meticulously prepared roux forms the foundation. Vegan butter and all-purpose flour dance together in perfect harmony, creating a velvety texture that sets the stage for the culinary symphony to follow. The roux, a cornerstone of classical French cuisine, adds a touch of sophistication to our vegan mac and cheese.
A Symphony of Flavors: A crescendo of taste emerges as the non-dairy milk and vegan cheddar cheese join the ensemble, infusing the dish with richness and depth. The subtle smokiness of paprika, coupled with the umami of nutritional yeast, tantalizes the taste buds, ensuring every bite is a harmonious blend of flavors.
Baked to Perfection: Transcending the ordinary, our vegan Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese reaches its zenith under the broiler’s gentle glow. A finishing touch of vegan cheddar and breadcrumbs creates an enticing golden crust, adding a delightful contrast to the creamy interior. This meticulous preparation culminates in a visual and gastronomic masterpiece.
Conclusion: Gourmet Delight – our Vegan Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese – is not merely a meal; it’s a culinary journey that proves plant-based dining can be elevated to unprecedented heights. Embrace the elegance of this dish, where every forkful whispers sophistication and innovation, proving that vegan indulgence knows no bounds.
vegan Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese
Ingredients:
- 8 oz (about 2 cups) elbow macaroni or your favorite pasta
- 1 cup raw cashews, soaked in hot water for 1 hour or in cold water overnight
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup vegan butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups unsweetened non-dairy milk (such as almond, soy, or oat milk)
- 2 cups vegan cheddar cheese, shredded (plus extra for topping)
- Bread crumbs for topping (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a blender, combine the soaked cashews, water, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- In a large pot, melt the vegan butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 2-3 minutes to make a roux.
- Gradually add the non-dairy milk to the roux, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the cashew cream mixture and continue to whisk until well combined and creamy.
- Stir in the vegan cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat evenly.
- Preheat your oven broiler.
- Transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish. If desired, sprinkle extra vegan cheddar cheese on top and add a layer of breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping.
- Place the baking dish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, and then serve.
