Cashew Mac

Gluten-free option, Soy-free 

This is one of the easier pasta dishes in this section. The creamy sauce is simply made of cashews, rice milk, vegetable bouillon, nutritional yeast and spices—it’s great stirred into any type of pasta, so take your pick! Serve this mac with our Roasted Veggie and Quinoa Salad and our Breadsticks.

Cashew Mac is a testament to culinary innovation that transforms a beloved comfort food into a gourmet delight. This dish takes the familiar macaroni and cheese and elevates it to new heights by embracing the rich creaminess of cashews and a symphony of seasonings. The result is a decadent mac and cheese that captures both the essence of comfort and the elegance of fine dining.

At the core of Cashew Mac is the creamy sauce, a creation born from the magical alchemy of soaked cashews, plant-based milk, and an artful blend of spices. The soaked cashews undergo a transformation in a high-speed blender, emerging as a silky, velvety base that rivals traditional dairy-based sauces. The addition of nutritional yeast, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder infuses layers of depth, while the vegan bouillon paste or cubes amplifies the umami notes.

The pasta itself plays its part perfectly, providing the comforting backdrop to the luxurious sauce. The choice of pasta is versatile, accommodating various dietary preferences, including gluten-free options. The olive oil that coats the cooked pasta adds a subtle sheen and prevents clumping, ensuring that each bite is a delectable experience.

Creating Cashew Mac is an enchanting process. As the creamy sauce simmers on the stovetop, the anticipation builds. The aromatic notes of spices and the rich essence of cashews blend harmoniously, wafting through the kitchen. When the sauce coats the pasta, the result is a dish that is both nostalgic and refined, a testament to how innovation can enhance tradition.

The charm of Cashew Mac lies in its ability to cater to different palates. It offers a depth of flavor that appeases the seasoned gourmand, yet remains accessible to those who are exploring plant-based cuisine. The option to drizzle vegan sriracha adds a playful touch, transforming the dish into a flavor adventure.

Cashew Mac stands as a testament to the versatility of plant-based ingredients and their ability to create flavors that resonate with both the heart and the taste buds. As each forkful delivers a creamy, savory embrace, it’s a reminder that indulgence and health-conscious choices can coexist harmoniously on the plate. Whether enjoyed as a weeknight comfort or showcased as a star at a gathering, Cashew Mac is a celebration of how culinary innovation can shape our perception of classic dishes, offering a glimpse into the vibrant world of modern plant-based cuisine.

PREP TIME: 5 minutes, plus inactive time to soak cashews

COOK TIME: 5 minutes, plus time to boil pasta

YIELD: 6 to 8 servings

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 (16-oz [453-g]) package pasta of choice (gluten-free if needed)
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
• 1 cup (146 g) raw unsalted whole cashews, soaked
• 1½ cups (360 ml) plain, unsweetened rice milk
• 1½ tsp (9 g) vegetable bouillon paste or 1½ vegan bouillon cubes (15 g)
• ¼ cup (20 g) nutritional yeast
• 1½ tsp (3 g) paprika, plus more for topping
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt, plus more to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Vegan sriracha, for topping (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Cook the pasta:
   • Cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
   • Once cooked, drain and rinse the pasta in cold water.
   • Place the cooked pasta back in the pot and toss it with the olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the creamy sauce:
   • While the pasta is cooking, drain and rinse the soaked cashews.
   • In a high-speed blender, combine the soaked cashews, rice milk, vegetable bouillon, nutritional yeast, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
   • Blend the mixture until it becomes a creamy sauce, ensuring all ingredients are fully blended. Scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
3. Cook the sauce and assemble:
   • Pour the blended sauce into a large skillet.
   • Cook the sauce over medium-low heat, whisking often, until the mixture thickens, which should take about 5 minutes.
   • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and stir until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce.
4. Season and serve:
   • Season the pasta with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste if desired.
   • To serve, plate the creamy pasta and top it with a sprinkle of paprika.
   • For an extra kick of flavor, you can also add a touch of vegan sriracha on top, if desired.