Delicious Vegan Mac Daddy: A Mouthwatering Recipe
Are you a fan of mac and cheese, but find yourself shying away from it because of its dairy content? Do you crave the comfort of this classic dish without sacrificing your vegan lifestyle? Then look no further than the Vegan Mac Daddy recipe from Veganomicon, the ultimate vegan cookbook.
This illustrious recipe book, now celebrating its 10th anniversary, is complete with over 250 recipes that are sure to satisfy even the most carnivorous cravings. And this Vegan Mac Daddy recipe is no exception. Created by the talented duo of Isa Chandra Moskowitz and Terry Hope Romero, this recipe emulates the flavors and textures of traditional mac and cheese without any animal products.
Drawing upon a combination of nutritional yeast, fresh lemon juice, and turmeric, this dish is infused with bold and unbeatable flavors. Trust me when I say that your taste buds won’t even realize they’re being served a vegan dish.
So whether you’re a seasoned vegan chef or just trying out a new plant-based diet, this recipe will become one of your favorite go-tos for any cozy meal occasion. So brace yourself for a cheesy and delicious journey with Vegan Mac Daddy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are your taste buds craving something comforting and delicious? Look no further than this Vegan Mac Daddy recipe from the Veganomicon cookbook.
First things first, you’ll love this recipe because it’s entirely plant-based. You can indulge in a bowl of cheesy goodness without any animal products. Plus, the cheezy sauce is made with nutritional yeast flakes, which are packed with savory flavor and essential B vitamins.
If you’re someone who loves pasta, then you’ll find comfort in the elbow macaroni used in this dish. It’s the perfect shape for soaking up all of that creamy cheezy sauce.
But what really sets this vegan mac daddy apart is the flavorful use of seasonings like turmeric and dried thyme, which add depth of flavor and aroma. And let’s not forget about the fresh lemon juice that brightens up every bite.
Even if you’re not vegan, you’ll enjoy the heartiness and richness of this dish – all while knowing it contains wholesome ingredients. It’s a recipe that vegans and non-vegans alike will keep coming back to.
So why settle for bland or boring food when you can have an indulgent yet healthy meal? Try out this Vegan Mac Daddy recipe from Veganomicon and get ready to be wowed by its taste and nutrition!
Ingredient List
Let’s dive into the most vital part of any recipe- the ingredients. To whip up some delicious Vegan Mac Daddy by Isa Chandra and Terry Hope Romero from their masterpiece cookbook- Veganomicon, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Cheezy Sauce:
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 pinches dried thyme, crumbled
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup nutritional yeast flakes
- 1/2 tsp turmeric for the yellow color (optional but recommended)
- Black pepper and salt as per taste
For the Tofu ricotta layer:
- 1 lb extra-firm tofu, drained
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/3 cup prepared yellow mustard
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 nutritional yeast flakes
For the macaroni:
- 16 oz elbow macaroni
Gather these essential items to unleash your inner vegan chef and create a scrumptious meal with ease.
The Recipe How-To
Get ready to dive into the hearty indulgence that is Vegan Mac Daddy recipe. This recipe will not only satisfy your cravings for comfort food, but it is also 100% plant-based.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1 block (14 to 16 ounces) extra firm tofu
- â…” cup nutritional yeast flakes
- â…“ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons prepared yellow mustard
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- Black pepper to taste
- A pinch of dried thyme
Step One: Macaroni and Tofu
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to boil. Add macaroni and cook according to package directions. Drain well and set aside.
While waiting for the pasta to cook, you can crumble the tofu in a bowl with your fingers or by using a fork. Set aside.
Step Two: Cheezy Sauce
To prepare the cheezy sauce, preheat a large saucepan over low heat. Add olive oil and minced garlic, saute for about two minutes until fragrant but not browned. Add in all-purpose flour and stir constantly with a wire whisk for two minutes until the mixture turns golden-brown.
Whisk in vegetable broth, nutritional yeast flakes, fresh lemon juice, prepared yellow mustard, salt, turmeric, black pepper and dried thyme until well combined.
Increase heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir occasionally for about five minutes until the sauce thickens up.
Step Three: Final Touches
Add the crumbled tofu into the saucepan and stir gently until they are evenly combined.
Stir in the cooked macaroni into the cheezy saucepan and mix them together thoroughly. Cook on low heat for another two minutes until everything is heated through!
And there you go! Your Vegan Mac Daddy dish is ready for you to devour!
Note:
This recipe is perfect for family-get-togethers or cozy nights-in with loved ones. Feel free to make it yours by experimenting with different toppings – breadcrumbs, fresh herbs or hot sauce – or even adding some roasted vegetables to it!
Substitutions and Variations
Listen up, vegan foodies! You can add your own twist to the Vegan Mac Daddy recipe and make it even more delicious. Here are some recommended substitutions and variations to make this recipe your own:
If you are not a fan of tofu, don’t panic – you can replace it with tempeh or even seitan. Simply crumble the tempeh or seitan into smaller pieces and cook it in olive oil before adding it to the recipe.
For those who want to spice things up, try adding some diced jalapeño on top of your cheezy mac n cheese for an extra kick.
If you prefer gluten-free pasta, then feel free to use brown rice pasta or chickpea pasta instead of elbow macaroni. They are great alternatives and offer healthy options.
Instead of using regular black pepper, try smoked black pepper for added depth of flavor.
Add some veggies to your mac daddy! Try stirring in some broccoli florets or sautéed mushrooms for extra nutrition and taste.
For a healthier option, you can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour when making the cheese sauce.
Lastly, if you love breadcrumbs on top of your mac n cheese, try using panko breadcrumbs or crumble some potato chips for a crispy and crunchy texture.
With these substitutions and variations, you can customize this recipe to suit your cravings and dietary preferences – making the ultimate ultimate vegan cookbook addition!
Serving and Pairing
Ah, the moment of truth has arrived. It’s time to savor your creation and relish the flavors of this scrumptious vegan mac daddy. This dish is perfect for a cozy night in with your loved one or even a family feast.
For a visually appealing presentation, scoop your vegan mac daddy into individual serving bowls and sprinkle them with some nutritional yeast. You can also top it off with some fresh parsley for an extra pop of color and flavor.
If you’re looking to pair it with something, I’d suggest serving it with a crisp green salad, maybe some chopped romaine lettuce, cucumber slices, or cherry tomatoes. The fresh veggies complement the richness of the cheezy sauce used in this recipe.
However, you can also add some roasted vegetables on the side or even some grilled mushrooms for added texture and depth. You can never go wrong with some sautéed garlic kale, collard greens or broccoli.
As for beverages, well you could go the classic route and serve it with your favorite beer or try pairing it with a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio if wine is more your thing.
Overall, the vegan mac daddy is versatile and pairs well with many different sides and drinks. Get creative and experiment with different combinations until you find one that hits just right!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now that you’ve got your Vegan Mac Daddy hot and ready, you may be wondering what to do if you have leftovers. Well my friend, let me tell you: reheating this dish is just as easy as making it.
If you make too much of the cheezy sauce, it will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. I recommend cooking your pasta right before serving to maintain its texture and flavor. But let’s say you want to make the entire dish ahead of time and reheat it later, that’s fine too!
When it comes to storing this dish, make sure to transfer it into an airtight container – this will keep the pasta from drying out in the fridge. It can stay stored for up to 3 days with no problems! If you’re going to store it in the freezer instead, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap then cover with aluminum foil. It will last up to 2 months in the freezer.
To reheat your Vegan Mac Daddy, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). If your dish has been sitting in the fridge overnight, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before reheating. Give everything a good mix beforehand, so that the cheezy sauce is evenly distributed throughout each noodle.
Cover with foil and bake until heated through – usually this takes about 20-25 minutes depending on your oven. You can also reheat in the microwave using a microwave-safe dish, but be sure to cover with plastic wrap first otherwise the pasta may dry out.
Now go ahead and enjoy every last bite of this mac daddy veganomicon recipe. Remember, this crowd-pleaser is perfect for reheating anytime and anywhere – whether at home or at work – so don’t hesitate on those seconds or thirds!
Tips for Perfect Results
Let me share with you some tips to make sure that you will have the best Vegan Mac Daddy! First, try cooking the elbows al dente, because there’s a difference between chewy and mushy onions.
Second, when cooking tofu, make sure it is well-drained and pressed to avoid a mushy texture. Make sure that your pan is heated enough before adding your tofu to get that crispy exterior.
Third, nutritional yeast is a key ingredient in this recipe! A good amount of it provides the cheesy and nutty taste that makes this recipe irresistible. If you aren’t familiar with nutritional yeast flakes or don’t have them on hand, I highly recommend giving them a try.
Fourth, don’t overmix the cheezy sauce. Overmixing can result in a gooey texture that isn’t quite right for mac and cheese. Follow the recipe steps and whisk until everything is combined but stop before it gets too thick or sticky.
Fifth, store leftovers properly so that they will not dry out. You can also add extra cheezy sauce when reheating to bring back some of the creaminess that may have been lost during refrigeration.
And lastly, always have fun in the kitchen! Cooking is not just about following recipes – it’s also about experimenting with new ingredients and techniques. So seize this opportunity to put joy into every single bite of your Vegan Mac Daddy!
Bottom Line
Now that you have all the tools to create the ultimate vegan mac and cheese recipe, what’s stopping you from giving it a try? With fresh lemon juice, olive oil, and a range of herbs and spices, this recipe is sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied. Plus, with its versatile and adaptable ingredients, you can experiment with various substitutions and variations, ensuring that every iteration of this recipe is uniquely delicious.
So why not grab a copy of the Veganomicon cookbook, which offers not only this incredible mac and cheese recipe but 250 other tasty plant-based dishes? With authors Isa Chandra Moskowitz and Terry Hope Romero guiding your culinary journey, you’re sure to discover new favorite recipes that will satisfy even the most discerning palate.
Remember: whether you’re a longtime vegan or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, the Vegan Mac Daddy recipe is a must-try. So don’t hesitate – head to your kitchen today and give this dish a shot. Your taste buds (and perhaps even the planet) will thank you for it!
Vegan Mac Daddy (Veganomicon) Recipe
Ingredients
The Cheezy Sauce
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 garlic cloves, Minced
- 2 pinches dried thyme (crumbled in your fingers)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 pinches freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 1/2 cups nutritional yeast flakes
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons prepared yellow mustard
The Mac
- 3/4 lb elbow macaroni or 3/4 lb your favorite pasta
- 1 lb extra firm tofu
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions. When the pasta is ready, drain and set aside.
- Meanwhile, prepare the Cheezy Sauce.
- Whisk the broth and flour in a measuring cup with a fork until dissolved.
- Saute the oil and garlic in a saucepan over medium-low heat about 2 minutes, stirring often and being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the thyme, salt, and pepper, and cook for about 15 seconds. Add the broth, turmeric, and nutritional yeast, raising the heat to medium. Use a whisk and stir constantly. The mixture will start bubbling and thickening in about 3 minutes; if it doesn’t, turn the heat on a bit higher.
- Once the mixture starts bubbling and thickening, stir and cook for about 2 more minutes.
- Add the lemon juice and mustard and stir well. The mixture should resemble a thick, melty cheese.
- Taste for salt (you may need more), turn off the heat, and cover the pan to keep it warm.
- Now that the sauce is ready, begin assembling:
- Crumble the tofu into an 11x13 inch baking dish. Mash the tofu with your hands until it resembles ricotta cheese. Mix in the salt, olive oil, and lemon juice.
- Add 1/2 cup Cheezy Sauce to the tofu and stir.
- Add the pasta to the tofu, along with 3 more cups of sauce, and stir well.
- Smooth the top of the pasta mixture and press it down with a spatula to level it.
- Pour the remaining sauce over the pasta and smooth again.
- Bake for 30 minutes; the top of the macaroni should be slightly browned.
- Let sit for 20 minutes to cool and firm up.
- ************.
- For even more comfort food deliciousness, top it with toasted breadcrumbs before going into the oven.
- Make it even more nutritious with the addition of 4 cups of your favorite greens, chopped small - Spinach is divine.
- I try to use less fat when I cook. Reducing the oil with the tofu mixture to just a scant teaspoon was still perfectly delicious.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Recipes Just For You
None found
Jolo is a talented chef and food blogger with a passion for vegan and Caribbean flavors. From savory vegetarian dishes to tropical smoothies, Jolo’s Kitchen has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for meat-free meals or creative Caribbean recipes, Jolo’s Kitchen is the perfect place for you.