Since going vegan, I have tried so many mac & cheese recipes I’ve lost count. I’ve always wanted to have a healthy one on hand that I could recommend. After all, it’s a huge crowd favorite, and one of my favorite things to do is to veganise classic comfort food and make it extra nourishing. I’ve tried many things, including cauliflower, white beans, vegan cheese, and béchamel… and although it was pretty good, it just was not IT. Until this High Protein Vegan Mac and Cheese!
It’s so creamy, gooey, and…. cheesy?! I could barely believe it, and Cam’s face confirmed this is the perfect ratio!
I’m also thrilled by the nutrition in this High Protein Vegan Mac and Cheese recipe. The combo of whole grain, legumes, vegetables, nuts, and spices make it a beautifully balanced and super nourishing meal. It’s even rocking 40g of protein per serving! I’m so excited to eat this through the week, and I hope you also give this High Protein Vegan Mac and Cheese a go.
The Key to this Creamy High Protein Vegan Mac and Cheese
The key to the creaminess of this High Protein Vegan Mac and Cheese lies in the unique blend of ingredients. The combination of cashews, soy milk, and tapioca flour creates a rich, creamy base that mimics the texture of traditional cheese sauce. The addition of nutritional yeast lends a cheesy flavor, while the blend of spices adds depth and complexity. The result is a creamy, satisfying sauce that perfectly coats the wholemeal pasta, creating a dish that’s every bit as comforting as traditional mac and cheese.
Why This Plant-Based Mac and Cheese Will Become Your New Favorite Meal
This Plant-Based Mac and Cheese is set to become your new favorite meal for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to make, with most of the ingredients likely already in your pantry. Second, it’s versatile – you can enjoy it as a main dish, a side, or even a snack. But perhaps the most compelling reason is its taste. This dish is creamy, cheesy, and comforting, all while being completely vegan and packed with protein. It’s a meal that will satisfy both your taste buds and your nutritional needs.
The Secret Superpowers of Our Vegan Mac and Cheese Ingredients
Our High Protein Vegan Mac and Cheese isn’t just delicious – it’s also packed with health benefits. The wholemeal pasta provides a good source of complex carbohydrates and fiber, while the red lentils and soy milk contribute a significant amount of protein. The vegetables add essential vitamins and minerals, and the cashews provide healthy fats. Plus, the nutritional yeast used in the sauce is a great source of B vitamins. This dish is a testament to the fact that comfort food can be both tasty and nourishing.
We’d love to hear from you if you try this recipe! It makes our day to hear that you’ve enjoyed our recipes and to see your creations! You can leave us a comment and give it a rating, and even tag us with your photos @_plantbaes_ on Instagram!
High-Protein Vegan Mac & Cheese (meal-prep)
Video
Ingredients
- 14 oz wholemeal pasta
- 1 medium potato diced
- 1 yellow onion chopped in quarter
- 1 carrot diced
- ½ cup cashews
- ½ cup red lentils
- 3 cups soy milk
- 1 tbsp vegetable stock powder (low sodium)
- 1.5 tbsp tapioca flour
- ⅔ cup nutritional yeast
- 1 tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp turmeric
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tbsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
To serve:
- Your favourite greens (grilled or stir-fried with a little chilli flakes to taste.)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the packet instructions.
- Add the potato, onion, carrot, cashews, and red lentils to a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook for approx 15 minutes, until the potatoes are fork tender. Drain the water.
- Transfer the mixture to a blender with the soy milk, tapioca flour, nutritional yeast, paprika, turmeric, vegetable stock, lemon juice, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Blend until perfectly smooth.
- Add the pasta and sauce to a pot and cook on low heat until it thickens 3 to 5 minutes. Adjust salt & pepper to taste.
- Serve with grilled broccoli or your favorite greens, enjoy!
Per Serving
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