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vegan mac and cheese with broccoli, garlic, and jalapeños
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5 from 1 vote

Vegan Broccoli Jalapeño Garlic Mac and Cheese

Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time30 minutes

Equipment

  • cutting board + knife
  • stock pot or something similar (to cook pasta in)
  • small skillet

Ingredients

  • 12 oz / 3.5 cups dry pasta I used Jovial elbows
  • 2 ½ cups broccoli florets fresh or frozen
  • 1 heaping cup vegan parmesan or mozzerella cheese I used Follow Your Heart
  • ⅓ cup unsweetened and unflavored soy milk
  • 2 tablespoons vegan salted butter
  • ¼ teaspoon EACH of salt + pepper

Crispy Garlic & Jalapeños

  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil
  • ¼ cup pickled jalapeño, roughly chopped
  • 4 large garlic cloves, minced about 2 tablespoons

Toppings (optional)

  • black pepper
  • (GF) breadcrumbs
  • hemp seeds

Instructions

  • Prep: bring a large pot of salted water to a boil*.
    While you wait for the pasta to boil, mince the garlic and chop the jalapeños. Warm a small skillet over medium heat. Once warm, add 1 tablespoon of avocado oil and then the jalapeños. Sauté undisturbed for 3 minutes, stir, and then cook for another 2 (or until the jalapeños have started to crisp/golden). Then, add the garlic and cook for another minute. Remove from heat (but keep on the pan).
  • Cook pasta + broccoli: add pasta and stir. Cook for 10 minutes (or until tender).
    Add broccoli when the pasta has about 4-6 minutes left (4 for fresh, 6 for frozen).
    *Pasta and broccoli are done when both are tender. Test a piece of the pasta to ensure it's ready especially if using frozen broccoli, it may need an additional minute or two to cook.
    Remove from heat and strain - DO NOT RINSE.
  • Combine ingredients: Add strained pasta back to the pot along with the crisped jalapeños and garlic, cheese, butter, salt, pepper, and soy milk. Place over low heat and stir to combine + help the cheese and butter melt. Once melted and creamy, remove from heat and let sit for 5-10 minutes before serving (this allows all of the flavors to combine).
  • Serve with an extra sprinkle of pepper, hemp seeds, and/or breadcrumbs. Enjoy!

Notes

*Add about a heaping teaspoon of salt to the pot of water and bring to a boil. Salting the pasta creates a more flavorful pasta and prevents the noodles from congealing. Most of the salt doesn't stay in the pasta, so don't worry, it won't taste super salty.
  • For a cheesier pasta, add more cheese. Add more milk for creaminess. For additional heat, add more jalapeños (or jalapeno juice) or cayenne pepper.