Macaroni and Cheese with a Twist Recipe
Overview:
This Macaroni and Cheese with a Twist recipe brings a delightful deviation from the traditional mac and cheese, infusing it with flavors that will surprise and delight your taste buds. Inspired by “The Vegetarian Meat and Potatoes Cookbook,” this dish offers a dairy-free alternative that doesn’t compromise on taste. It’s not just for vegetarians; it’s a clever way to introduce tofu into anyone’s diet. Whether you stick to the original soy-based ingredients or opt for dairy products, this recipe promises a creamy, comforting meal in under an hour.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories: 341.2 per serving
Ingredients:
Here’s what you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp |
| Onion | 1 medium |
| Soy milk | 2 cups |
| Soft tofu | 12 oz |
| Silken tofu | 1 block |
| Fresh lemon juice | 1 lemon |
| White miso | 1-2 tbsp |
| Turmeric | 1/4 tsp |
| Hot sauce | To taste |
| Rotini pasta | 12 oz |
| Grated cheese | 1 cup |
| Breadcrumbs | 1/2 cup |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
Instructions:
-
Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s ready when your macaroni and cheese is prepared for baking.
-
Prepare Casserole Dish: Lightly spray a 2 1/2 quart casserole dish with cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes for easier cleanup later.
-
Saute Onion: In a pan over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the chopped onion until soft, which should take about 5 minutes. This releases the onion’s flavors and adds depth to the dish.
-
Blend Ingredients: Transfer the sautéed onions to a blender or food processor. Add soy milk, soft tofu, silken tofu, fresh lemon juice, white miso, hot sauce, turmeric, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. This creamy mixture forms the base of your sauce.
-
Cook Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the rotini pasta until it’s just under al dente, approximately 6-7 minutes. It will continue cooking in the oven, so you don’t want it to become too soft at this stage. Drain the pasta once cooked.
-
Combine Pasta and Sauce: In the pot used for cooking pasta, combine the drained rotini with the sauce from the blender and half of the grated cheese. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
-
Assemble Casserole: Transfer the sauced pasta into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs and the remaining grated cheese over the top, creating a deliciously crunchy crust.
-
Bake: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together while ensuring the pasta cooks through.
-
Final Touches: After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and bubbling. This final step adds a beautiful golden finish to your macaroni and cheese.
-
Serve: Allow the dish to cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This gives the flavors time to settle and makes it easier to handle. Serve your Macaroni and Cheese with a Twist hot and enjoy the creamy, flavorful goodness!
Conclusion:
With its unique blend of ingredients and creamy texture, this Macaroni and Cheese with a Twist recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you follow the original dairy-free version or customize it to your preferences, it’s a satisfying dish that’s perfect for lunch, snacks, or anytime you’re craving comfort food with a twist. Give it a try and savor the deliciousness! 🧀🍝
