To celebrate Thanksgiving, try this delicious recipe from World Vegan.

Silky Mac and Cheese with Creamed Vegetables

Gluten-free option
Serves 4
Prep time: 20 minutes
Soaking time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes

For the gratin
50g cashew nuts
250g potatoes
120g carrots
300g pasta – Macaroni or Rigatoni (gluten-free if preferred)
1 white onion
1 garlic clove
30g nutritional yeast
20g mustard
180ml plain almond milk
2 tbsp cider vinegar
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper

For the topping
30g sunflower seeds
50g ground almonds
1 tbsp nutritional yeast
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp salt
1½ tbsp coconut oil
1 tbsp olive oil

Soak the cashew nuts in hot  water for 20 minutes. Rinse and drain.

Peel the potatoes and carrots and cut into medium sized cubes. Cook the vegetables in a large pan of boiling water for about 15/2o minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.

Cook the pasta in boiling water, according to the instructions on the packet , but reduce the cooking time by 2 minutes. Drain the pasta and keep it hot.

Peel and finely chop the onion and garlic. Gently fry in a frying pan with a little water or 1 tablespoon olive oil for 2 minutes until translucent.

Preheat the oven to 180° (gas mark 4). Put the cooked carrots and potatoes, onion, garlic, cashew nuts, yeast. mustard, almond milk, vinegar and paprika into the jar of a blender, season and whizz to a smooth, creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little almond milk until you achieve the right consistency.

Chop the sunflower seeds, mix the ground almonds, sunflower seeds, yeast, garlic and salt in a bowl. Add the coconut oil and olive oil and mix to a slightly dry and crumbly texture. Tip the pasta into the gratin dish, pour the sauce over it and toss to coat well. Sprinkle with topping and bake for 15 minutes, until the topping begins to brown. Leave to cool for a few minutes before serving hot.

Tips and Variations
The Mac and Cheese sauce can be stored for up to 5 days in an airtight container in the fridge. Make a larger quantity and use for pasta dishes, Mexican recipes, (tacos, burritos, nachos, quesadillas), burgers, sandwiches, to go with chips, or simply as a dip, served with crudites or tortilla chips.