Vegan Shells and Cheese
I’ve searched high and low for a good vegan macaroni and cheese recipe. I’ve tried all the recipes out there and a few boxed varieties and nothing gave me the satisfaction of eating a good old bowl of dairy macaroni and cheese.
I won't lie and say giving up mac and cheese was easy. While it wasn’t the most difficult thing to do, it still wasn’t easy. It isn’t something I’d eat on a daily basis but I still loved those days my mom prepared a box of Annie’s or Kraft macaroni and cheese. Sprinkled with some black pepper and red chili flakes was how I’d always eat it.
After becoming vegan I knew replicating a completely cheesy meal wasn’t going to be easy. After trying some vegan recipes I gave up all hope. That’s until my family decided to make macaroni and cheese and I was stuck eating pesto pasta. Don’t get me wrong, pesto is amazing but it’s not a substitute for macaroni and cheese.
I decided I’d wing it and make my own vegan macaroni and cheese recipe. Honestly, it couldn’t be any worse than the ones I’d tried before. So I got to work with a potato, carrot, cashews, and various spices. I figured going simple first and adding flavors was the best way to go and I was not disappointed. The best part about this is that I don’t have to feel guilty about the unhealthiness of the dish when I eat it.
Potatoes get a bad rap but they’re a good source of potassium. Potassium (K+) is very important to the heart. Any changes (too low or too high levels) can impact the heart and cause EKG changes leading to arrhythmias.
Carrots are a good source of vitamin A. Vitamin A is important for the differentiation of epithelial cells to form specialized tissue, making it important for mucus secreting glands, skin, and vision. Fun fact, vitamin A is one of the treatments for measles and APL (acute promyelocytic leukemia).
Nutritional yeast, as many of you know, is a source of vitamin B12. B12 is very important for DNA synthesis which is why deficiency of B12 can lead to megaloblastic anemia. B12 is stored in the liver and the reserves last awhile which is why deficiency isn’t seen immediately. The stores would need to deplete, which could take several years. Vegans, beware. Though nutritional yeast is the vegan source of vitamin B12, only a very large amount per day would meet the daily requirement for it. Supplement your diet with B12 tablets.
I highly recommend everyone try this. Change up the ratios to fit your taste buds but I truly believe this is the best vegan macaroni and cheese out there. Hey, if it could satisfy my picky taste buds I think it’ll be fine for everyone else. Don’t knock it before you try it.