Macaroni and "Cheese" (vegan) with Daiya, Mixed Veggies, and Hickory Smoked Tofurky

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Nutritional Info
  • Servings Per Recipe: 4
  • Amount Per Serving
  • Calories: 389.7
  • Total Fat: 43.1 g
  • Cholesterol: 0.0 mg
  • Sodium: 729.2 mg
  • Total Carbs: 24.3 g
  • Dietary Fiber: 6.7 g
  • Protein: 22.7 g



Introduction

Whole wheat pasta and vegan "cheese" recipe using Daiya vegan cheese. Daiya is a brand of non-dairy, casein-free cheese that melts well and behaves similarly to dairy cheese when cooked. It is quite tasty albeit not without calories. To add nutritional value, the spirals are whole wheat, and frozen mixed vegetables (a blend of corn, peas, limas, carrots and green beans is what I used) as well as Hickory Smoke flavored Tofurky brand deli slices (adds a touch of protein and even more flavor). The Himalayan salt is definitely not needed although I had it on hand so decided to add it to the pasta water. This is a very filling meal by itself because of the whole grains, and it is very nutritional. Whole wheat pasta and vegan "cheese" recipe using Daiya vegan cheese. Daiya is a brand of non-dairy, casein-free cheese that melts well and behaves similarly to dairy cheese when cooked. It is quite tasty albeit not without calories. To add nutritional value, the spirals are whole wheat, and frozen mixed vegetables (a blend of corn, peas, limas, carrots and green beans is what I used) as well as Hickory Smoke flavored Tofurky brand deli slices (adds a touch of protein and even more flavor). The Himalayan salt is definitely not needed although I had it on hand so decided to add it to the pasta water. This is a very filling meal by itself because of the whole grains, and it is very nutritional.
Number of Servings: 4

Ingredients

    Whole Wheat Spaghetti, cooked (pasta), 1.33 cup
    Mixed Vegetables, frozen, .5 package (10 oz)
    *Daiya Cheddar Style Shreds, 1.5 cup
    *Earth Balance Organic Buttery Spread (original whipped), 1 tbsp
    *Hickory Smoked Tofurky Deli Slices, 5 serving
    *Himalayan Pink Salt, 0.25 tsp

Tips

Other types of vegetables that may cook well can be used here, even fresh vegetables. Also, mozzerella-style Daiya or another brand of vegan cheese that can melt well may be used, although I am not personally experienced with other brands. Possibly, one could add nutritional yeast for a different kind of flavor and added vitamins, etc. This might especially be good with a broccoli, cauliflower mixture.

Note: I noticed after I posted this, the recipe has quite a bit of fat. I would say make this as a one in a while endulgence. It's nice if you're vegan and missing the taste of mac 'n cheese. Or make it in smaller portion and consume it with something else, like a salad. Either way, it's a nice occasional treat.


Directions

1. Assemble ingredients along with large pot filled about a quarter of the way with water.
2. Set the pot to boil on high with the cover preferably tight (add any salt you may use here, optional).
3. Wait for water to boil, reduce to medium heat, then add pasta when you see bubbles in the water.
4. A few minutes after adding pasta, add frozen mixed vegetables.
5. Allow water to boil almost all the way down and pasta to become cooked to satisfaction, then add Daiya cheese. Also add Earth Balance.
6. Cut Hickory Smoked Tofurky slices into strips, then into squares. Add them to the pasta/veggie/Daiya mixture.
7. Mix thoroughly with a long spoon until everything is evenly distributed and the Daiya covers everything.


Serving Size: Makes about four small bowls or three large ones