Pumpkin Cheddar Mac and Cheese
PLANT BASED COMFORT FOOD AT ITS FINEST!
The fall is seen as a season of nourishment. In order for us to find balance in the colder months, we must make a conscious effort to bring in more warmth. One way we can do this is by nourishing our bodies with more warm, comforting foods and less raw, cold foods. So, it’s the time of year to incorporate more stews, soups, curries, and pastas into your diet, and cook with more warming spices and healthy fats - turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and coconut are just a few of the many options.
Which brings me to this plant based mac - it’s absolutely incredible and is the perfect cozy meal to make this fall. It’s made with only a few ingredients, comes together in almost no time, and requires very little cleanup. It uses both warming spices and healthy fats, and includes pumpkin to add a seasonal twist. I served it over arugula with roasted broccoli for a little broccoli mac action, which I highly recommend for a childhood throwback and even more nutrients.
If you’re not into the whole plant based idea, feel free to sub any grass fed, organic butter and cheese in place of the vegan butter and cheddar, and whole milk in place of the coconut. But, don’t leave out the pumpkin and nutmeg - it’s a non negotiable in this recipe and makes it so much more delicious. Either way, make this recipe immediately. If not for you, do it for your inner child. I promise she/he will be thanking you endlessly.
Try it!
RECIPE:
Ingredients:
Gluten free pasta of choice
2 tbsp vegan butter or coconut oil
1/4 cup gluten free flour
1/2 cup coconut milk (sub any plant milk, coconut adds more flavor/richness)
2 tbsp pumpkin
2 tsp nutmeg
1 cup vegan cheddar cheese (make sure you use one that melts!)
Salt & pepper
Directions:
Cook pasta according to package instructions, saving 2-3 tbsp of the water.
Heat butter in a large pan over medium heat until bubbling. Add flour and stir until thick.
Pour in coconut milk, pumpkin, and spices and mix until fully combined. Reduce heat to low and add in cheese. Continue to stir until cheese is fully melted and sauce is thick and bubbling.
Pour sauce over pasta of choice, add leftover pasta water, and mix until pasta is fully coated.
Serve and enjoy!