Imagine a mac and cheese so incredibly creamy, so deliciously rich, that you won't believe it's completely dairy-free and packed with hidden vegetables! This Vegan Tahini Carrot Mac and Cheese is about to revolutionize your comfort food game, proving that plant-based eating can be both indulgent and nutritious. Get ready to transform ordinary pasta into a mind-blowing culinary experience that will have even the most dedicated cheese lovers coming back for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup carrots, steamed
- 1/2 cup tahini
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Water as needed for consistency
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, steam the carrots until they are soft and tender. You can use a steamer basket or microwave steaming method. Once steamed, let the carrots cool slightly.
- In a high-powered blender, combine the steamed carrots, tahini, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach a smooth, pourable consistency that coats the back of a spoon.
- Drain the cooked macaroni thoroughly, then return it to the pot. Pour the tahini-carrot sauce over the pasta and stir gently to ensure every noodle is evenly coated.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt or lemon juice as needed to enhance the flavor profile.
- Serve immediately while hot, optionally garnishing with fresh herbs, nutritional yeast, or black pepper if desired.
Tips
- • For the smoothest sauce, ensure your carrots are steamed until extremely soft and tender. • Use a high-powered blender to achieve that ultra-creamy consistency. • Don't skip the nutritional yeast - it's key to creating that classic cheesy flavor. • Add water gradually when blending to control the sauce's thickness. • For extra flavor, roast the carrots instead of steaming for a deeper, caramelized taste. • If you prefer a spicier version, add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne to the sauce. • Make sure to season generously - the tahini and nutritional yeast need a good salt balance. • Serve immediately for the best texture and warmth.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
