Tweak & Eat: Worry-Free Mac & Cheese

Inspired by the super cute EverybodylikesSandwiches by Jeannette Ordas

Worry-free mac and cheese, you ask? How could mac and cheese, the archetypal meal of care-free childhood summers, ever cause one to worry? Well if you’re like the rest of the increasing number of adults in North America being diagnosed with lactose intolerance and gluten and wheat sensitivities, you know what we mean.

If you’ve been craving a gooey pot of good ol’ pasta and fromage (tis' the season for comfort food), but haven’t been able to indulge because of a cranky digestive system, we’ve got just what you need.

This recipe has been recreated to be dairy and gluten-free. Yes, you heard that right: no dairy and no gluten. Also, there are bonus points for incorporating veggies!

Will make 4-6 rib-coating helpings. Serve some sautéed greens alongside. 

Ingredients

Method

Now, go preheat your oven to 350°F.

Step 1:

Heat coconut oil in a large fry pan and add and onion, sautéing for 5 minutes. Add in diced chard (stems and all!) until slightly wilted. Stir in salt and crushed red chilli. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2:

Cook macaroni in stock or water in a medium-large sized pot. Once pasta is half-cooked (about 5 minutes), toss in the cauliflower. Cover and let simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes. Pour in milk and let simmer over low heat until pasta and cauliflower are tender.

Step 3:

Fire up the element to heat your pan of greens again until they’re hot. Sprinkle with GF flour and stir well. Pour mac and cauliflower mixture into the pan and stir until thickened. (If it’s too thick, add more milk). Stir in all ingredients from step three (nutmeg, turmeric, cumin, mustard, nutritional yeast, lemon zest, and Daiya cheese). Adjust flavours as necessary.

almost there...!

Step 4:

Pour the whole mixture into a casserole dish and set aside. In a small bowl combine your breadcrumbs with the oil and herbs. Sprinkle over mac and cheese. Throw the uncovered dish into the oven and bake 30 minutes. 

Step 5? Enjoy the cheesy worry-free goodness.

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Niki Boileau is a Vancouver-based RHN who loves spending time outdoors and dreaming up as many healthy porridge recipes as possible. Get in touch with her to talk all things food and health.