Creamy Cashew Vegan Macaroni Delight
Indulge in a luscious, creamy vegan macaroni 'cheese' that's sure to satisfy your cravings for comfort food. This recipe features gluten-free elbow macaroni, enveloped in a rich, nutty cashew sauce, perfectly blended with coconut milk and nutritional yeast to create a cheesy flavor profile without any dairy. Enhanced with garlic and a hint of tang from rice vinegar, this dish is both hearty and nutritious. Pair it with your favorite vegetables for a complete meal that warms your heart and soul, ideal for chilly autumn and winter evenings. It's a delightful treat for both vegans and non-vegans alike, making it a perfect dish for any gathering or cozy night in.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Gluten-free elbow macaroni
12 ounces (Cook according to package instructions, then drain.)
Raw unsalted cashews
3 cups (Soak for a few hours or overnight for easier blending, if preferred.)
Unsweetened coconut milk
403 ml (Shake well to mix before use.)
Hot boiling water
1 cup (Water should be boiling when dissolved with bouillon.)
Vegetable bouillon cube
1 (Dissolve in hot water.)
Garlic cloves
3 (Minced.)
Nutritional yeast flakes
1/4 - 1/2 cup (Adjust based on taste preference.)
Rice vinegar
1 - 2 tablespoons (Add gradually to taste.)
Salt
to taste (Adjust based on preference.)
Pepper
to taste (Adjust based on preference.)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the gluten-free elbow macaroni according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain and transfer the pasta to a large mixing bowl. Cover it to keep it warm and moist.
2
In a food processor, grind the raw unsalted cashews on high speed until they achieve a creamy and thick paste. Aim for a relatively smooth consistency, even if it's a little grainy.
3
With the processor running on low, gradually incorporate the entire can of well-shaken coconut milk into the cashew paste, blending until smooth.
4
Dissolve the vegetable bouillon cube completely in 1 cup of hot boiling water. Slowly add this into the cashew-coconut mixture while the processor is on low, ensuring it's fully combined.
5
Add minced garlic to the food processor and blend until incorporated.
6
Next, introduce nutritional yeast flakes in increments of 2 tablespoons, blending after each addition. Adjust the amount based on your taste preference—remember, more nutritional yeast will enhance the cheese-like flavor.
7
Carefully add the rice vinegar, starting with 1 tablespoon. Taste after each additional teaspoon, adjusting to achieve your desired level of sharpness in flavor.
8
Season the sauce with salt and pepper to your liking, blending until well mixed.
9
Once the sauce meets your satisfaction, pour it over the reserved pasta. Mix thoroughly to coat each piece of pasta evenly. If you prefer a thinner sauce, gradually add a splash of additional broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.
10
For a wholesome touch, consider adding sautéed vegetables—like braised spinach, peas, or steamed broccoli—directly into the macaroni. Serve immediately for a delightful, comforting meal, and store any leftover sauce in the refrigerator for future use.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Cashew Vegan Macaroni Delight?
It is a luscious, creamy vegan macaroni 'cheese' featuring gluten-free elbow macaroni in a rich, nutty cashew sauce blended with coconut milk and nutritional yeast.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, this dish is entirely plant-based and dairy-free.
Is this macaroni dish gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe specifically uses gluten-free elbow macaroni.
How do I make the sauce creamy without dairy?
The creaminess comes from grinding raw unsalted cashews into a paste and blending them with unsweetened coconut milk.
Do I need to soak the cashews?
While the recipe calls for raw unsalted cashews, soaking them for a few hours or overnight is recommended for easier blending.
What type of coconut milk should be used?
Use one 403 ml can of unsweetened coconut milk and ensure it is shaken well before use.
How is the bouillon prepared?
Dissolve one vegetable bouillon cube in one cup of hot boiling water before adding it to the sauce mixture.
What gives the sauce its cheesy flavor?
Nutritional yeast flakes provide the cheesy flavor profile.
How much nutritional yeast should I use?
The recipe suggests 1/4 to 1/2 cup, added in 2-tablespoon increments to suit your taste.
Why is rice vinegar included in the recipe?
Rice vinegar is added to provide a hint of tang and sharpness to the sauce flavor.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe requires 3 minced garlic cloves.
What is the first step in making the sauce?
The first step is to grind the raw unsalted cashews on high speed in a food processor until they achieve a creamy, thick paste.
How do I incorporate the coconut milk?
Gradually add the coconut milk into the cashew paste while the food processor is running on low speed.
When should I add the bouillon water?
Slowly add the bouillon water into the cashew-coconut mixture while the processor is on low after the coconut milk is blended.
How should I adjust the rice vinegar?
Start with 1 tablespoon and taste after each additional teaspoon to reach your desired level of sharpness.
What should I do if the sauce is too thick?
You can gradually add a splash of additional broth or water until you reach your preferred consistency.
Can I add vegetables to this macaroni?
Yes, you can add sautéed vegetables like braised spinach, peas, or steamed broccoli directly into the macaroni.
How should the pasta be kept after cooking?
Transfer the drained pasta to a large bowl and cover it to keep it warm and moist while you prepare the sauce.
Can I store leftover sauce?
Yes, any leftover sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for future use.
Is this dish suitable for cold weather?
Yes, it is described as a comforting meal ideal for chilly autumn and winter evenings.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 10 ingredients required for this recipe.
How should I season the sauce?
Season the sauce with salt and pepper to your liking once all other ingredients are blended.
Is this recipe suitable for non-vegans?
Yes, it is a delightful treat for both vegans and non-vegans alike.
What kind of cashews are needed?
The recipe requires raw, unsalted cashews.
How much pasta is used?
The recipe calls for 12 ounces of gluten-free elbow macaroni.
What is the consistency of the cashew paste?
The paste should be thick and creamy; it is fine if it remains a little grainy.
When should I serve the dish?
It should be served immediately after mixing the sauce and pasta for the best comforting experience.
What equipment is needed for the sauce?
A food processor is needed to grind the cashews and blend the sauce ingredients.
How do I ensure the sauce coats the pasta evenly?
Pour the sauce over the reserved pasta and mix thoroughly to coat each piece.
Can I adjust the cheesy flavor?
Yes, you can enhance the cheese-like flavor by adding more nutritional yeast flakes.