Cheezy Macaroni with Peas and Roasted Carrots

Non-dairy macaroni and cheese is great comfort food for adults and kids alike. This version has a more grown-up air, employing tasty roasted carrots and peas. Adding yams to the dish provides a creamy texture, while the vegan cheddar-style shreds transform the “cheeze” sauce into the ultimate classic American staple.

Makes: 4 servings
Free of: gluten and all top allergens

Ingredients

  • 1 cup garnet yams (1 large yam or 2 small), washed
  • 14 oz carrots (approximately 4 medium carrots)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 tsp + 1/2 tsp kosher salt, divided
  • 2 1/2 cups (600 mL) dry gluten-free elbow pasta
  • 2 cups (475 mL) plain rice milk
  • 8 oz (about 2 cups) cheddar-style shreds, such as Daiya
  • 1 cup (250 mL) frozen peas, thawed
  • 1/8 tsp ground white pepper

Recipe Tips

• To roll-cut, place a peeled carrot on a cutting board. Make a diagonal cut to remove stem end. Holding the knife at a 45-degree angle, make the first cut. Roll carrot a half turn, keeping knife at same angle, and make another cut. Repeat with all carrots.

• Roasted carrots elevate this dish. But to save time, you can use 2 cups of mixed frozen peas and carrots.

• If you don't like vegetables in your macaroni, simply omit and increased cooked pasta to 6 cups.

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375° F. Place yams on baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. Bake 45-65 minutes, until done.
  2. Wash, trim and peel carrots. Roll cut (see Recipe Tips), until you have about 2 cups of cut carrots. Toss carrots with olive oil and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Spread out on parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in oven, along with yams, for 20 minutes or until tender. Remove from oven and set aside.
  3. While vegetables bake, cook pasta according to manufacturer’s instructions. When pasta is al dente, drain and rinse under cold water and set aside. You should have 5 cups of cooked pasta.
  4. Peel yams, then place in a mixing bowl. Mash with a potato masher or fork.
  5. In a medium saucepan, combine rice milk and 1 cup of mashed yam. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, whisking occasionally.
  6. Reduce heat to low; add cheddar-style shreds and whisk frequently until melted, about 5 minutes.
  7. Add carrots and peas and cook 1 minute. Add pasta and cook for an additional minute. Add remaining salt and white pepper. Stir to combine. Turn off heat and let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

are the husband-and-wife culinary team behind https://www.yourallergychefs.com/. Chef Joel is the former Special Dietary Manager at Walt Disney World who developed the food allergy program used across the Disney properties and cruise line.