VEGAN MAC DADDY (VEGANOMICON)

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions. When the pasta is ready, drain and set aside.
• Meanwhile, prepare the Cheezy Sauce.
• Whisk the broth and flour in a measuring cup with a fork until dissolved.
• Saute the oil and garlic in a saucepan over medium-low heat about 2 minutes, stirring often and being careful not to burn the garlic.
• Add the thyme, salt, and pepper, and cook for about 15 seconds. Add the broth, turmeric, and nutritional yeast, raising the heat to medium. Use a whisk and stir constantly. The mixture will start bubbling and thickening in about 3 minutes; if it doesn't, turn the heat on a bit higher.
• Once the mixture starts bubbling and thickening, stir and cook for about 2 more minutes.
• Add the lemon juice and mustard and stir well. The mixture should resemble a thick, melty cheese.
• Taste for salt (you may need more), turn off the heat, and cover the pan to keep it warm.
• Now that the sauce is ready, begin assembling:.
• Crumble the tofu into an 11x13 inch baking dish. Mash the tofu with your hands until it resembles ricotta cheese. Mix in the salt, olive oil, and lemon juice.
• Add 1/2 cup Cheezy Sauce to the tofu and stir.
• Add the pasta to the tofu, along with 3 more cups of sauce, and stir well.
• Smooth the top of the pasta mixture and press it down with a spatula to level it.
• Pour the remaining sauce over the pasta and smooth again.
• Bake for 30 minutes; the top of the macaroni should be slightly browned.
• Let sit for 20 minutes to cool and firm up.
• ************.
• For even more comfort food deliciousness, top it with toasted breadcrumbs before going into the oven.
• Make it even more nutritious with the addition of 4 cups of your favorite greens, chopped small - Spinach is divine.
• I try to use less fat when I cook. Reducing the oil with the tofu mixture to just a scant teaspoon was still perfectly delicious.