SOY-FREE OPTION*   OIL-FREE   GLUTEN-FREE OPTION**

This mac ’n cheez is a perfect quick weeknight meal. However, if I know I’m making it the next day, I’ll go ahead and cook the carrots and keep them in the fridge until I’m ready to use them. You could cook them a few days before if you’ve made a menu plan.

Stove-Top Mac ‘n Beany is a delicious and creamy pasta dish that offers a healthy twist to the classic macaroni and cheese. This recipe replaces the traditional cheese sauce with a flavorful and nutritious white bean-based sauce, creating a creamy and satisfying texture. Packed with protein from white beans and enriched with carrots, this dish is both comforting and nourishing.

This recipe is quick and easy to prepare, making it a perfect option for busy weeknight dinners or when you’re craving a comforting meal. The creamy white bean sauce is made by blending cooked white beans, tender carrots, unsweetened nondairy milk, and a selection of savory seasonings like nutritional yeast, Dijon mustard, and turmeric. The result is a creamy and flavorful sauce that coats the cooked elbow pasta perfectly.

This wholesome and flavorful pasta dish is not only suitable for plant-based eaters but is also enjoyed by people of all dietary preferences. It offers a healthier alternative to traditional mac and cheese without sacrificing taste or creaminess. Serve it as a main course or as a side dish alongside your favorite vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Stove-Top Mac ‘n Beany and savor each bite of this satisfying pasta dish that combines the goodness of white beans and carrots with the familiar comfort of macaroni and cheese.

YIELD: 6 servings

TOTAL PREP TIME: 15 minutes

TOTAL COOKING TIME: 10 to 15 minutes

INGREDIENTS

FOR SAUCE :

• 1 1/2 cups (269 g) cooked white beans or 1 can (15 ounces, or 425 g), rinsed and drained
• 2 small carrots, cut into large chunks (peeled if not organic) and cooked until tender
• 1 cup (235 ml) unsweetened nondairy milk, plus extra if needed (*use soy-free)
• 1/4 cup (35 g) cashews (optional)
• 1/2 cup (48 g) nutritional yeast
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic or 2 cloves, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

FOR SERVING:

• 16 ounces (455 g) dried elbow pasta, for serving (use gluten-free)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Prepare the Sauce: Add everything except the pasta, salt, and pepper to a food processor or blender and purée until smooth. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of water to a boil, add the pasta, and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the cooked pasta in a colander and set it aside.
3. Warm and Combine the Sauce with Pasta: In the same pot used to cook the pasta, warm the sauce over low heat. Once the sauce is warm, add the drained pasta to the pot and mix well. Add extra nondairy milk if needed to adjust the consistency. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper seasoning if necessary.
4. Serve the creamy white bean sauce pasta immediately, offering additional nutritional yeast, pepper, or herbs as optional toppings for extra flavor. Enjoy this comforting and satisfying dish as a standalone meal or pair it with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded and nutritious dinner.

PER 1 1/2-CUP (340 G) SERVING:

• 403.0 calories; 7.6 g total fat; 0.7 g saturated fat; 14.8 g protein; 74.5 g carbohydrate; 15.2 g dietary fiber; 0 mg cholesterol.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS AND VARIATIONS:

• The cashews are optional, so don’t fret if you have a nut allergy! They do add more creaminess, but the dish works fine without them, too.

FANCY BEAN SUBSTITUTES:

• Black Calypso, Vaquero, Purple Runner, European Solider, Vallarta, Alubia Blanca