Description
This Asian-inspired Vegan Gochujang Mac and Cheese is the kind of skillet comfort food that tastes like a cozy hug with an exciting Korean twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- ½ cup [raw] cashews
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 Tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 Tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth *
- 1 cup water
- 2 teaspoons Gochujang [Korean Red Chili Paste -medium heat] *
- ½ cup diced roasted red bell peppers *
- 2 teaspoons reduced-sodium tamari *
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- ½ teaspoon pure maple syrup (+/-)
Spice/Herb Ingredients
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch to ¾ teaspoon sea salt (+/-) *
Other Ingredients
- 5 cups cooked elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
Instructions
- Place the cashews into a small bowl, cover with boiling water, set aside until Step 5.
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions, drain, rinse with cold water to remove any excess starch, shake well, set aside.
- In a large skillet, add the diced onions, sauté over medium-high heat for 7 to 9 minutes, add a splash of water, if needed to avoid burning.
- Then lower the heat to medium, add the minced garlic and tomato paste, sauté, stir constantly for 30 seconds.
- Then add all the remaining Base Ingredients and the Spice/Herb Ingredients to the skillet, stir to incorporate, bring to a boil. Add the soaked cashews, stir well, then lower the heat to a low-percolating simmer. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- After 5 minutes, remove the skillet from the stove to slightly cool. Then place the skillet ingredients into a high-speed blender. Blend on high until smooth and emulsified. Then pour the mixture back into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately lower to a simmer. Simmer for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the skillet, stir well to coat all the cooked elbow macaroni with the sauce. Simmer for 3 to 5 minutes. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Please reference the blog post for Tips for Success, Pantry Items Used, Storage and Freezing, and Kitchen Products Used.
Sea Salt: Please adjust the sea salt based upon your family’s sea salt preferences and/or based upon dietary needs.
Serving: 4 (makes 5 cups)