Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese creates the ultimate comfort food dish and it’s 100% plant-based!
Comfort foods are just that… comforting to the heart and soul. Whether you are in cold climate conditions or in sunny Southern California, comfort foods taste delicious anytime.
This recipe is super adaptable to all lifestyles. This recipe is vegan. However, for meat lovers, easily add 1/2 pound of cooked ground turkey. As suggested for vegans, add “meaty” mushrooms for an extra layer of flavor, fiber, and water content. Fish lover? Shrimp or lump crab meat would be absolutely divine!
Here, Butternut Squash is the center of attention. Why use butternut squash? This squash is rich in betacarotene and fiber. Butternut Squash has a naturally sweet and yet robust flavor.
Health Benefits of Butternut Squash:
*Vitamin A
*Vitamin C
*Magnesium
*Calcium
*Potassium
*Low in Calorie
*High in the “good” fiber
*Low in sugar
*Nearly 87% water!
What does this mean to you? This simple squash can help balance blood sugar, keep you feeling fuller, longer, and aid in bone, brain, and overall health! And, it’s nearly 87% water… don’t like to drink water? Eat squash!
Key Ingredient Add-Ins:
*Raw cashews
*Avocado oil
*Onion
*Garlic
*Spices
*Nutritional yeast
*Optional: Shitake Mushrooms ! or other mushrooms. Mushrooms add fiber, flavor and water!
What do these add-ins mean to this dish and your diet? Onion, garlic and spices like turmeric boost the immune system! Nutritional yeast is a delicious, non-dairy cheese substitute. “Hint, it tastes like parmesan.” Avocado oil and cashews… high in omega 3 fatty acids which improve heart, hair and skin health.
Cashews, avocado oil, almond milk, nutritional yeast, quinoa pasta & butternut squash are key to this vegan, non-dairy delicious mac n cheese. Other fave ingredients? Lemon! Turmeric! Dijon mustard!
For more simple, delicious recipes, get the Substitute Yourself Skinny cookbook! One of my faves and TWICE listed among the Top 10 BEST DIET BOOKS by FOX.com!
Photo credits go to:
scooby12353
