Healthy Mac and Cheese
@Shaynobayno
Even though I was not raise in the States, mac and cheese is one of my favorite dishes.
Yes, traditionally Mac and Cheese is not a healthy dish , but like my other recipes I try to always swap out ingredients to obtain a healthier and lighter result.
@Shaynobayno
Daniela Garcia
What we eat daily has a big impact in our physical and mental health. And out of all uncontrollable things surrounding us, what we feed our bodies is in fact under our control. Over the course of time I have developed simples ways and recipes to lead a sustainable healthy lifestyle and a deepest desire to share with you all !
I don’t make this dish often because It takes more than 15 minutes, and as much as I like to cook, most of the times I do not have the time to spend in the kitchen. However, now that Thanksgiving is around the corner I thought it was the perfect time to share my Mac and cheese recipe with you all.
Always keep in mind that if the diet or lifestyle you are following does not permit you to enjoy and share meals with family and friends, it needs to be reformed.
We are allow to enjoy food without feeling guilty. It is just a matter of learning how to substitute not so healthy ingredients for better ones. You can achieved a better dish, softer for your belly , easier to digest, and you can nourish your body all by choosing healthier ingredients.
@Shaynobayno
I went to the supermarket yesterday to shop for some ingredients, and realized that the holidays are the perfect time to build up your pantry with healthier items. If you are serious about taking better care of your health I suggest you following traditional recipes that are made in nutritious ways . A lot of those will call for ingredients that you are not familiar with like this Mac and cheese . It is however a great way for you to start learning and becoming familiar with new things. Step out of your comfort zone, take the time and money to invest in yourself.
@Shaynobayno
The real question is; Is it really possible to make healthy mac and cheese and still have it taste just as rich and cheesy as the classic?
The answer is YES !
We need to start escaping from the idea that healthy does not make a dish delicious. This Mac and cheese is gluten and diary free, and it turned out to just as good as a traditional one. The only difference here, is that this version does not have all that unhealthy saturated fat, and calories that the traditional recipes usually have.
@Shaynobayno
The pasta that I am using is from Modern Table.all of their foods are non-GMO and gluten free. This pasta is made from a blend of lentils, rice, and pea protein. It was my first time using this brand, and I was really pleased with the final result.
The cheese is vegan from Daiya. I have used mozzarella cheese from Daiya before, but I wasn’t impressed with the taste or texture. I decided to give it another try, and bought the shredded cheddar, and I though it was amazing! It has a rich flavor, and it melts well. You can’t barely tell it is not real cheese.
Overall this recipe is low-fat, high in protein and low in calories (under 250 calories preserving) You can enjoy this delicious Mac and cheese while keeping your health in mind.
@Shaynobayno
Total Time: 30m
Yield: Makes 6 servings
Ingredients:
-
8 oz Elbow complete protein pasta From Modern TABLE
-
1 1/2 tbsp Coconut Oil
-
1/4 cup minced onion
-
1/4 cup Oat flour
-
2 cups Almond milk
-
2 cups vegan shredded cheddar (Daiya)
-
8 oz fresh broccoli florets
-
2 tablespoon Nutritional yeast
-
1/4 cup seasoned Gluten Free bread crumbs
-
Cooking Spray
-
Salt and pepper to taste
-
1 tbsp tumeric
-
1 tbsp paprika
Stay updated, subscribe to our weekly blog
Instructions:
In a large pot of salted water, cook the pasta and broccoli together, according to package directions for al dente.
Spray a baking dish with cooking spray, and set aside. Preheat oven to 375 F.
In a large heavy skillet, melt the coconut oil. Then add the onion, turmeric, paprika and cook over low heat for 2 minutes.
Add the flour and cook 1 minute or until flour is golden and well-combined. Whisk in milk , raise heat to medium-high until it comes to a boil, then cook an additional 5 minutes or until smooth and thick.
Season with salt and pepper if desired. Remove from heat, add cheese, and stir until melted.
Stir in the cooked pasta and broccoli, then pour into the prepared baking dish.
Top with the breadcrumbs and nutritional yeast. Spray a little more cooking spray on top. Bake 15-20 minutes, then broil a few minutes until the breadcrumbs are golden.
