Best You Ever Had Dairy Free Mac n Cheese

Photo by Hermes Rivera on Unsplash

Macaroni and cheese is a classic Southern staple. There is no reason for vegans and lactose intolerant folks to miss out on this comfort food. Here is a simple recipe that ensures a velvety cheddar sauce with a Kreyol kick.

Macros:

Lipids
Complex carbohydrates
Fiber (whole grain option)
+ Anti-inflammatory

Ingredients

When selecting a pasta, reach for shapes that compliment creamy sauces. My a few of my favorites:

Elbow Macaroni
Shells
Cavatappi Pasta Elbow Macaroni

Whole grain is preferred. Although this recipe can be modified to accommodate gluten-free pastas such as chickpea pasta.

Sauce

13.5 fluid oz Unsweetened coconut milk or cashew milk
Nutritional Yeast
Lemon
Tomato
Garlic salt
(Optional: plain salt)
Rosemary
Paprika
Black pepper
Scotch bonnet pepper
Scallions

Directions

Allow yourself 45 minutes to 1 hour for total cook-time and preparation. For this recipe you will need two pots. Timing does matter in this recipe so read directions closely. Careful not to oversalt.

1. Begin by bringing a pot of water to a boil. Add a teaspoon of vegetable oil to water. The water to pasta ratio for boxed pasta is 2 cups of water per every one cup of pasta. Observe directions for fresh pasta according to manufacturer’s instructions. Important: Wait until water reaches a roaring boil before adding pasta.
2. Meanwhile, in a separate saucepan, bring 13.5 oz of coconut milk or cashew milk to a medium heat. Add 1 diced ripe tomato, a sprinkle of garlic salt (2 cloves of crushed garlic can be substituted), and a generous shaking of nutritional yeast. Taste
3. Once water has reached a roaring boil, add pasta. Cook until al dente.
4. Combine pasta in creamy sauce. Coat it thoroughly. A squeeze of a lemon slice will boost overall flavor. Add nutritional yeast, a dash of paprika, a sprinkle of rosemary, and black pepper to individual preference. Build flavor profile by tasting as you season. Bring to low heat.
5. Stir occasionally. Cook until pasta is at desired texture. By now the cream sauce has been absorbed.
6. Taste. Add plain salt if needed.
7. Turn heat off. Allow pasta to sit for a few minutes. Set table and pour beverages.

Pairs amazingly mixed with wilted spinach and fresh basil. Other great sides include steamed asparagus, blanched broccoli, and roasted onion and bell peppers.

This recipe is truly from the heart. I have experimented with several dairy free mac n cheese, and this by far is the simplest and most delicious recipe. If you tried this recipe, do me a favor and share with a friend! Reach out to me on social media or by e-mail for more fun meals free like these. For meal coaching, check out my website here.

Bizouuu!!