A couple months back, my good buddy Dynise (who also happens to be an extremely talented author), came to Chez Everyday Dish (aka my kitchen), to film an episode of Everyday Dish. Dynise made this deliciously creamy version of Mac & Cheese, which is a recipe from her brand new cookbook Celebrate Vegan. I love Dynise’s recipe, and highly recommend that you give it a try. It’s a Thai rendition, with lots of vegetables, and either So Delicious coconut creamer or coconut milk. I also add in some Thai red curry paste when I make it. Did I mention it’s quick to make too? You can also make it gluten-free with brown rice macaroni, which is what we did.
Now, run to the kitchen and go give this recipe a try. You can find the recipe in Dynise’s cookbook Celebrate Vegan.
Dynise Balcavage’s Thai-Centric Mac and Cheese
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Warning: this is not your grandma’s mac and cheese, although it’s every bit as comforting and decadent. This version is infused with extremely subtle Thai influences: it’s creaminess comes thanks to smooth and silky coconut oil and coconut creamer (Don’t worry! It’s much more figure-friendly than traditional mac and cheese.) And a sprinkle of red pepper flakes infuses the sauce with an assertive bit of heat, which balances beautifully against the sweetness. This recipe is easily doubled or even tripled.
Ingredients
- 4 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked (gluten-free or regular)
- 1 organic red pepper, roughly chopped
- 1 sweet onion, roughly chopped
- 1 large carrot, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 4 T coconut creamer (or coconut milk)
- 1 cup hemp, soy or rice milk (In order of preference)
- 1 cup nutritional yeast flakes
- ¼ tsp sea salt, or to taste
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package directions, but make sure it is staunchly al dente. It should remain slightly chewy. Drain.
- Meanwhile, in a food processor, whiz together red pepper, sweet onion and carrot until it almost forms a paste.
- In a large sauce or soup pan, heat coconut oil over medium low. Toss in red pepper flakes and cook for 1 minute or so to infuse the oil. Toss in the veggie paste and cook until fragrant and soft, about 7 minutes.
- Stir in the milk and the coconut creamer, then whisk in the nutritional yeast. Bring to a boil, lower to a simmer and cook until it thickens slightly (If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer slightly longer. If you prefer a thinner sauce, reduce simmer time.)
- Add drained pasta to the sauce. Toss to coat and add salt.
Notes
- Variations: Add 2 cups of any of the following during step 5: steamed broccoli or cauliflower, peas or corn, edamame, or chopped organic spinach.
WOW, this looks amazing! now that it is cooler in Portland I have been making all kinds of mac + cheese. these flavors sound great! Dynise is so sweet!
I remember hearing about this recipe, and am so excited that I can finally try it, it sounds delicious.. Thanks Julie, and Dynise! This will make an awesome spin on the rotation of the mac and cheese from vegan diner.
I love Thau, and I love “cheese”. I would have never thought to combine them!
HOLY YUMOLY!
Made this last night and my meat-a-vore of a mother loved it and took some home for my dad. Thanks for sharing!
Also…do you not have a search feature on your blog? Or am I dense?