Swap out the beef for a meatless meat alternative or even just lentils! Our vegan cheeseburger macaroni was inspired by Betty Crocker’s Hamburger Helper. It is creamy, delicious, and totally satisfying. Plus, we’ve left-out all the unhealthful ingredients and additives— like yellow lake 5 & 6, and partially hydrogenated soybean oil—- that you’ll find in a box of Hamburger Helper. And loaded ours up with healthful ingredients like lentils, tomatoes, turmeric, paprika, cashews and more! Cancer prevention never tasted so good!
Ingredients
1 (6-8 oz)- package of lentil or whole wheat pasta noodles
1 cup uncooked lentils or 1 package meatless meat crumbles
1-2 medium tomatoes
1 medium onion
3-4 cups greens (e.g. kale, collards, spinach, arugula)
1 Tablespoon tomato paste (optional)
½ cup cashews*
1 teaspoon turmeric
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon cumin powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon paprika
3/4 cup nutritional yeast
salt (to taste)
Instructions
- Follow instructions on the noodle package and cook the noodles until al dente.
- If using lentils, combine the lentils and 3 cups water into a sauce pan. Bring to a boil. Once boiling reduce to medium heat until lentils are all cooked and water is steamed off. Add the cooked lentils to the noodles.
- If using frozen meatless meat crumbles, thaw in the microwave or on a pan. Add to the pot with the noodles.
- Wash and chop the veggies. Lightly sauté the onions. Then add greens, tomatoes, and cooked onions to the pan. Cook until desired texture, then add to the noodles.
- Combine cashews, spices, tomato paste, and 3/4 cup water in a blender. Blend until smooth. Add more water as needed. Pour the cheese sauce over the noodles. Cook on low heat until warm and stir often to avoid burning the cashew sauce.
- Serve with a side salad or steamed broccoli.
*If your blender is not strong, soak cashews in warm water for 20-30 minutes to soften.
Note: For people with nut allergies, swap in a ½ cup sunflower seeds for the cashews.
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