Creamy Plant-Based Mac and Cheese 

For those in search of a comforting yet wholesome dish, look no further than this Creamy Plant-Based Mac and Cheese. Crafted with a silky Butternut Squash Sauce and a sprinkle of nutrient-packed seasonings, this recipe blends the satisfaction of mac and cheese with the goodness of plant-based ingredients. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the ins and outs of how to create this guilt-free indulgence, providing you with the steps you need to make a dish that’s both delicious and nurturing. Try our recipe for… Creamy Plant-Based Mac and Cheese with Butternut Squash Sauce Today!

 

What Makes This Mac and Cheese Special?

Creamy Without the Cream 

Many plant-based mac and cheese recipes rely on nuts or nutritional yeast for creaminess. This particular recipe harnesses the power of butternut squash, a vegetable naturally rich in texture and flavor, ensuring a luscious and creamy consistency without the need for dairy or mystery ingredients. The vitamin A and C-rich squash gives the dish a nutritional edge and a gorgeous golden hue. 

Seasoned for the Senses

One of the secrets to a really good mac and cheese is the use of seasoning. This recipe doesn’t skimp on the spices, incorporating nutmeg, garlic, and a touch of Dijon mustard to elevate the flavors. Not only do these spices add depth to the butternut squash sauce, but they each also bring their own set of nutritional benefits. You’ll be tantalizing your taste buds while giving your body a boost of nutrients.

Beauty on the Plate

The ingredients in this recipe have benefits that extend beyond taste and into beauty. Butternut squash is known to support healthy skin due to its high beta-carotene content, which the body converts to vitamin A. Nutritional yeast is rich in B-vitamins, which are lauded for their role in healthy hair and skin. Plus, the turmeric in the dish offers its well-reputed anti-inflammatory properties, a potential ally for maintaining that healthy glow.

 

The Recipe … Creamy Plant-Based Mac and Cheese

Ingredients

• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
• 1 onion, peeled and halved
• 4 cloves of garlic
• 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Nutmeg, to taste
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 pound macaroni or pasta of choice
• 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place the butternut squash, onion, and garlic cloves on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 35-45 minutes, or until the squash is tender.
3. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4. In a blender, combine the roasted vegetables, almond milk, vegetable broth, Dijon mustard, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
5. In a pot over medium heat, add the butternut squash mixture and nutritional yeast. Stir until well combined and heated through, about 5 minutes.
6. Add the cooked macaroni to the pot. Stir to coat the pasta in the sauce.
7. For extra creaminess, add the additional vegetable broth and lemon juice. Continue to stir until the desired consistency is reached.
8. Serve hot and garnish with parsley.

Nutrients for Beautiful Hair

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

We all know that omega-3s are fantastic for brain health, but they’re also vital for the health of our hair and scalp. They’re responsible for nourishing hair follicles and encouraging growth, making them a must for those with curly hair who are looking to increase their hair’s natural sheen and strength.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant that can help reduce oxidative stress on your scalp. Given that curly hair is often drier and more prone to breakage, ensuring your scalp and strands are receiving enough vitamin E can help maintain moisture and aid in repair.

Biotin

Biotin, a B vitamin, is widely known for its ability to support healthy hair, skin, and nails. This water-soluble nutrient plays a key role in the health of our hair follicles and can reduce instances of brittle hair, which is a common struggle for those with curly locks.

By incorporating ingredients that are naturally rich in these nutrients into meals like our plant-based Mac and Cheese, you’re taking steps to create a diet tailor-made for hair health. 

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