Vegan Macaroni & Cheese. Comfort Food in a Bowl
One of the most difficult things for potential vegans to come to terms with is the lack of cheese on their plate. I know…I know, there are numerous products available in stores across the world that try to fill the gap. Many of these product are very expensive because they cater to an exclusive diet. Many do not hit the mark when it comes to taste, texture and consistency.
I love the idea of macaroni and cheese. I know that it’s more the idea of the dish that piques my taste buds, than the actual thing, but still I crave a creamy bowl really, really often. It’s comfort food, food I’ve grown up on. Now, this particular recipe happened quite by accident, there was no plan. I made a sauce and added marmite for flavor; I tasted it and pronounced: “cheese!” I worked on it a little to add depth of flavour and a “tang” and I’m really, really pleased with the result. It’s creamy, cheesy and tastes like comfort. Please try this out to see what you think.
Also, it’s super easy to make and I’m always a sucker for easy!
Ingredients (serves 4)
1 packet of vegan macaroni (make sure it’s made without eggs)
3 tablespoons of vegan 🌱 margarine
3 tablespoons of all purpose flour
1 can of coconut milk 🥛 (don’t use almond or soya, coconut milk has a better consistency and flavour for this dish)
¾ teaspoon of chilli 🌶 flakes
¾ teaspoon of garlic 🧄 powder
½ teaspoon turmeric (for color)
1 heaped tablespoon of marmite or nutritional yeast
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
handful of mixed fresh herbs such as chives and Italian Parsley 🌿
Method
In a saucepan, melt the margarine. Remove form the heat.
Add 3 tablespoons of flour to the melted margarine and blend until absolutely smooth (no lumps)
Add the spices : chilli, garlic powder, salt, pepper and turmeric. Blend into the margarine mixture
Add a ¼ cup of coconut milk to the pot and blend. This is all done off the heat.
Add the balance of the coconut milk can and stir vigorously.
Return to the heat. Heat gently until the mixture thickens and bubbles. Stir all the while ( otherwise lumps will form)
Remove from the heat. Add the marmite or nutritional yeast.
Add water to a large pot. Add 2 tablespoons of salt ( the water should be as salty as the sea)
Set the pot to boil. Add a packet of macaroni to the water and cook until al a dente (firm, but pliable)
Add chopped herbs to the sauce. Adjust the seasoning and heat for a minute or two.
Drain the pasta and add the sauce. Heat through.
Serve with crusty bread and a nasturtium salad
Enjoy!
It’s easy and delicious 😋
All images and video are my own. Shot using my iPad and manipulated using Video Shop and Art Studio
Recipe developed by me
Music: Salty People
Musician: Summer Soul