Vegan Tahini Mac with Crispy Brussel Sprouts {v/gf}
Updated: Mar 24, 2021
If you've scanned through my blog, you'll see I've already developed a tahini mac. However, this mac & 'cheese' is new and improved... and VEGAN! yay! The star of the show is tahini~ an oily-like paste made from toasted ground hulled sesame seeds. I will admit, after tasting it on it's own, I was very skeptical. But, as the key ingredient in this recipe, it is killer. I love developing recipes, but I also love experimenting and making adaptations to my own; this recipe took me a few tries, but now {in my opinion} it's perfect; my family loves it! I pair it with crispy brussel sprouts for some greens, but I also love it with broccoli. A small side salad would be perfect too. Most of the ingredients featured are Trader Joe's brand, but any store should have similar, if not exact options.. Lastly, this recipe uses two different noodles, both gluten free. However, do not feel limited; you are free to choose your own style of pasta. Now, lets get to it!
RECIPE
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Serving size: 4
INGREDIENTS
1c gluten free macaroni of choice
1/3c tahini
3tbs almond milk
1tbs olive oil
1tbs vegan butter
1/4c nutritional yeast
2-3 cloves garlic minced
2tbs water (more if needed for thinning)
1c Brussel sprouts
1/4tsp onion powder
1/4c dairy free cheddar
Pink salt, black pepper, paprika to taste
METHOD
1. Preheat oven to 400° and prep a baking sheet and baking dish.
2. Chop brussel sprouts in half and lay on the baking sheet.
4. Drizzle with avocado oil, sprinkle with black pepper & pink salt, and bake for 25 minutes minutes.
5. Bring a medium pot of hot water to boil.
6. Make cheese sauce by blending tahini, garlic, onion powder, nutritional yeast, water, almond milk, olive oil in blender.
7. Now, cook shells as directed (5-8 mins roughly).
8. Once cooked, add strained elbows to a baking dish.
9. Remove brussel sprouts from oven and mix with the shells.
10. Over the stovetop, pour in the ‘cheese’ sauce and mix evenly until all shells are coated.
11. Add in the vegan butter and vegan cheddar to mix while hot until melted. Add additional nutritional yeast, black pepper, and paprika.
12. Serve & enjoy!
Gluten free shell subs: Cyble's Free to Eat superfood veggie shells, Ancient Harvest quinoa rotini, Tolerant green lentil elbows, Jovial gluten free elbows.
Be sure to shoot me an email with your feedback or message me on IG @wellnesswithmak, so I can see your beautiful recreations! I'd love to highlight them on my feed. Also, don't forget to follow me to stay up to date with new healthy, mouthwatering recipes, life updates, fitness routines, and all things wellness. I look forward to connecting with you!