Cauliflower Macaroni Cheese

Introduction:

This dairy free version of the classic Macaroni Cheese uses cauliflower to thicken the ‘cheese’ sauce. Not only is it dairy free and vegan, but it’s also perfect for the whole family to share! This recipe comes courtesy of food blogger Avant Garde Vegan, who finds inspiration in recreating classic dishes into vegan versions!

Ingredients:

• 4 Shallots, small & finely chopped
• 2 Cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 Leek, finely chopped
• 1/2 Cauliflower, cut into florets
• 300 g Macaroni Pasta
• 1 Coconut Milk, tin of
• 50 g Walnuts
• 300ml Oat Milk
• 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
• 1 tbsp Fresh Thyme
• 1 tsp Paprika
• 5 tbsp Nutritional Yeast
• Sea Salt & Ground Black Pepper, to season

Method

1. Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil. Add the pasta and cook to the packet instructions, or until al dente.
2. Meanwhile, in a separate saucepan, add a small amount of oil before sauteing the onion, garlic, leek & cauliflower over a low heat, stirring often.
3. Put the walnuts and soy milk into a food processor and blitz until smooth, then add to the pan containing the onion mixture to create a sauce.
4. Drain the pasta and set aside.
5. Add the mustard, paprika and thyme to the sauce, giving a stir before adding the cooked pasta.
6. Add the cream of the coconut milk, yeast and a pinch of salt and pepper before cooking over a low heat until thick and creamy.
7. Serve immediately, garnishing with a pinch of paprika.

Top Tip

Serve alongside a crunchy green salad, or enjoy on its own in a delicious bowl of comforting goodness.

For many of us, vegan and dairy-free food can sound very daunting, but Gaz (Avant Garde Vegan) finds inspiration and creates exciting new vegan dishes all the time! For more recipe inspiration, check out his website, here!