Description
Healthy, creamy, and all things cheesy, this oil free Vegan Italian Tomato Mac and Cheese brings all those wondrous Italian flavors together in a delightful tomatoey cheese sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
Cashew Cream Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup [raw] cashews
- ½ cup low-sodium vegetable broth *
- ¾ cup unsweetened plain plant milk
Skillet Ingredients:
- 1 cup yellow onion, fine dice
- 2 Tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 – [ 15 oz. ] can tomato sauce
- ¼ cup low-sodium vegetable broth *
- 1/3 cup nutritional yeast
- ½ teaspoon distilled white vinegar
Herb/Spice Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 Tablespoons dried minced onions
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried basil
- 1 ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ¼ teaspoon Italian Seasonings
- ½ teaspoon dried ground mustard powder
- ¼ to 1 teaspoon sea salt (+/-) *
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper (+/-)
- Pinch red pepper flakes
Other Ingredients:
- 10 to 12 oz. elbow macaroni *
Optional Topping Ingredients:
- Freshly chopped basil
- Vegan Parmesan Cheese
Instructions
- Place the cashews into a small bowl, cover with boiling water, allow to sit for 15 minutes, then discard the water and add into a high-speed blender along with the remaining Cashew Cream Ingredients. Blend on high until smooth and emulsified. Set aside.
- Place all the Spice/Herb Ingredients into a small bowl, mix well, set aside.
- Cook the macaroni according to package directions to al dente, drain, rinse with cold water to remove any excess starch, shake well, set aside.
- In a large ceramic/enamel lined skillet, or non-stick skillet, add the diced onions, sauté over medium-high heat for 7 to 9 minutes to soften, then add 2 Tablespoons of water to enhance the sautéing process to make sure the onions are really tender; then add the finely minced garlic, and sauté over medium heat for one minute.
- Next add all the remaining Skillet Ingredients and Herb/Spice Mix, stir well, simmer over medium-low heat. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add the cashew cream mixture to the skillet, stir well to thoroughly incorporate. Simmer for 4 to 5 minutes.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet, stir well to incorporate. Simmer for several minutes until the macaroni is thoroughly heated through.
- Serve with freshly chopped basil and generous sprinkle of Vegan Parmesan Cheese.
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.
*Servings: 4