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High Protein Vegan Broccoli Mac and Cheese

An easy and delicious way to make vegan macaroni and cheese using red lentils in the "cheese" sauce! Use a bean pasta to pack in even more protein in this delicious meal. Perfect for picky eaters and kids, too!
5 from 3 votes
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

Equipment

  • Blender

Ingredients
  

“Cheese” Sauce

  • ¾ cup (135g) red lentils
  • 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon turmeric
  • 2 tablespoons tapioca starch
  • 2 teaspoons salt or to taste
  • ½ cup (120ml) nondairy milk, unsweetened and unflavored
  • ½ cup (56g) vegan cheddar shreds
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder or to taste

Other

  • 1 box Banza chickpea pasta (8 ounces/227g)
  • 1 broccoli crown cut into pieces (about 20 ounces/600g)

Instructions
 

  • Cover lentils with enough water so they have about ½ inch of water over them in a small bowl and soak for 5 minutes, about 1 ½ to 2 cups. Once they are done drain the water. Pour into a medium saucepan and cover with 2 cups (480ml) water. Boil on high for 20 minutes until soft and mushy.
  • Meanwhile, prepare the broccoli by cutting it into small florets. Cut the stems into bite size pieces.
  • Once the lentils are done they will be mushy and should be very broken down. Pour them into a blender along with he other “cheese” sauce ingredients. Blend on high until very smooth. It will be thin and liquidy, don’t worry it will thicken when it cooks.
  • Add the broccoli to a large pan (this will eventually have al the pasta and sauce in it) and add ½ cup (120ml) water. Cover with a lid and steam on high for about 8 to 10 minutes until broccoli is cooked and tender. If you need to add a tablespoon or two of water while steaming feel free to do so.
  • Boil the pasta in a medium saucepan until slightly undercooked. Strain and add to the pan with the broccoli.
  • Finally, add the cheese sauce from the blender into the pan. Let this cook on a medium low heat for about 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese sauce has thickened. Taste the pasta and add any additional seasonings.
  • Serve warm immediately. I like to add buffalo sauce and vegan ranch on top!

Video

Keyword high protein recipe, vegan mac and cheese, vegan macaroni and cheese
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