Sunday, October 23, 2011

vegan mofo :: thai-centric mac-n-cheese [video recipe]



When I was in Portland for the VidaVegan Conference in August, Julie Hasson asked me to demo a recipe from my new cookbook for EverydayDish.tv in her killer kitchen. It was my first time cooking in front of a camera – a daunting task – but Julie and her husband/ cameraman/film editor Jay made the entire process stress-free and fun. I won't lie: watching yourself on film is unnerving; you notice every "um," every facial expression, and every hair out of place. Oy! Luckily, Jay's creative editing turned my little "flub" at the end of the clip into a bit of comic relief. 


If you like this clip and recipe, I'd appreciate it if you could like/share/rate it on YouTube. 


Thai-Centric Mac and Cheese
  • 4 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
  • 1 organic red pepper, roughly chopped
  • 1 sweet onion, roughly chopped
  • 1 large carrot, roughly chopped
  • 2 T coconut oil
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
  • Up to 1 T red or yellow curry paste [Optional]
  • 4 T coconut creamer or coconut milk [I recommend So Delicious brand]
  • 1 cup coconut, hemp, soy or rice milk
  • 1 cup nutritional yeast
  • ¼ tsp sea salt, or to taste
Serves 8

Cook macaroni according to package directions, but make sure it is staunchly al dente. It should remain slightly chewy. Drain. Meanwhile, in a food processor, whiz together red pepper, sweet onion and carrot until it almost forms a paste.


In a large sauce or soup pan, heat coconut oil over medium low. Toss in red pepper flakes and curry paste, if using, and cook for 1 minute or so to infuse the oil. Toss in the veggie paste and cook until fragrant and soft, about 7 minutes.

Stir in the milk and the coconut creamer, then whisk in the nutritional yeast. Bring to a boil, lower to a simmer and cook until it thickens slightly (If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer slightly longer. If you prefer a thinner sauce, reduce simmer time.)

Add drained pasta to the sauce. Toss to coat and add salt.

Variations: Add 2 cups of any of the following during step 5: steamed broccoli or cauliflower, peas or corn, edamame, or chopped organic spinach.

9 comments:

foodfeud said...

I love seeing people I only read in action. This is sweet! Sounds like an awesome dish too. I'd go for the extra spice for sure.

racheltz said...

Looks awesome! I'm definitely making this tonight.

Vegiegail said...

That sounds SO delicious! I can't wait to make this!

Coach Kelly said...

I can't wait to try this! It sounds delish!

MeloMeals said...

That looks and sounds great! .. Love the video too..

Brenda said...

I made this. Used 1/2 macaroni and 1/2 cauliflower. YUM! And loving (my own copy of) the new cookbook :-)

Braelin said...

this looks incredible! Love the video too.

urban vegan said...

A belated thanks, Brenda :)

Corrie said...

this looks fantastic (loved the video!) and love your blog! Will be purchasing your cookbooks. happy thanksgiving to you and the kitties!