Vegan Mac and Cheese, also known as “Mac and ‘Shews,” is a delicious and creamy alternative to traditional macaroni and cheese. This dairy-free version is made with a rich and flavorful cashew-based sauce that will satisfy your comfort food cravings. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make this vegan twist on a classic dish.
Ingredients for Vegan Mac and ‘Shews
- 1 pound (16 oz) elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
- 1 cup raw cashews, soaked in water for at least 2 hours or overnight
- 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
- 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
- 1/4 cup coconut milk or other non-dairy milk
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: chopped parsley, breadcrumbs, or vegan cheese shreds
How to Make Vegan Mac and ‘Shews
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the soaked cashews, diced potato, and carrot. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Blend the Sauce: Drain the cashews, potato, and carrot and transfer them to a blender. Add the nutritional yeast, coconut milk, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding more coconut milk if needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Combine the Pasta and Sauce: Pour the sauce over the cooked pasta and stir until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Serve: Serve the vegan mac and ‘shews hot, topped with chopped parsley, breadcrumbs, or vegan cheese shreds, if desired.
About the Main Ingredients
- Cashews: Cashews are the base for the creamy sauce in this recipe. When soaked and blended, they create a rich and velvety texture that mimics traditional cheese sauce.
- Potato and Carrot: These vegetables add creaminess and color to the sauce. They also provide a subtle sweetness that balances the savory flavors.
- Nutritional Yeast: Nutritional yeast is a common ingredient in vegan cooking, prized for its cheesy flavor. It adds depth and umami to the sauce.
- Coconut Milk: Coconut milk adds richness and helps to achieve a creamy texture. You can use other non-dairy milks, but coconut milk adds a hint of sweetness that complements the other flavors in the sauce.
- Lemon Juice: Lemon juice brightens the flavors of the sauce and adds a touch of acidity that helps balance the richness of the cashews and coconut milk.
Vegan Mac and ‘Shews is a comforting and satisfying dish that is sure to please vegans and non-vegans alike. Enjoy this creamy and delicious twist on a classic comfort food!
