Vegan Southwest Mac & Cheese

When you go vegan, you simply can’t go without Mac and Cheese. But do not worry, because it is one of the easiest things to cook with vegan alternatives. There are multiple ways to make vegan Mac, this is just one of them. I hope you enjoy this vegan version!

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins

Ingredients
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16 oz pasta
2 tbsp vegan butter
14 oz can of black beans
14 oz can of pinto beans
1 onion
1 red bell pepper
2 jalapeños
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp cumin
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper

Cheese Sauce:
¾ cup of cashews
½ cup of water
½ cup of vegan cheese
2 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp nutritional yeast
1 cup oat milk

This recipe is brought to you by: Ovation Public Speaking

Steps:

1. Soak the cashews in water for 30-60 minutes.

2. Drain the cashews and put them in a blender with all of the other ingredients for the cheese sauce. Blend thoroughly. 

3. Cut up the vegetables, and sauté in a pan over medium heat. Add the spices and continue cooking for 3-4 minutes. 

4. Add the beans and continue cooking for 3-4 minutes. 

5. Make the pasta according to the instructions. After draining the water, mix vegan butter in with the pasta.

6. Add the cooked vegetables and beans to the pasta and mix. 

7. Add the cheese sauce to the now empty pan. Cook the cheese sauce over medium heat and whisk continuously until it begins to thicken, approximately 4-5 minutes. 

8. Once the cheese sauce has thickened, add this to the pasta/vegetable/bean mixture. Mix thoroughly. 

9. Dish out, and top with your choice of vegan cheese and/or green onions.