18 Mar The Best (Dairy or Vegan) Light Macaroni And Cheese
My version of macaroni and cheese takes on a healthier profile with a few minor ingredient changes while still maintaining the creaminess of a traditional recipe. Olive oil, low-fat milk, and vegetable stock reduces fat, whole-grain pasta increases fiber, and peas add protein and vitamins. Reduced-fat and vegan cheeses can also be used with equally tasty results. A 1 cup serving only has 443 calories, 20 grams of protein, 17 grams of fat and 284 mg of sodium.
NUTRITION SUMMARY & MODIFICATIONS: Medium sodium. Low potassium. High phosphorus. To lower the potassium and phosphorus, use regular pasta instead of whole-grain pasta and decrease the cheese amount to 1 cup total.
The Best (Dairy or Vegan) Macaroni And Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 16-ounce box whole grain elbow pasta
- 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon butter or butter substitute
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 1/4 cups 1% milk or non-dairy mik
- 1 1/4 cups no-sodium vegetable stock
- 1/2 teaspoon low-sodium hot sauce or to taste
- 2 cups freshly grated cheddar cheese or vegan cheese
- 1 10-ounce bag frozen peas
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to boil and add the pasta, stirring to prevent pasta from sticking together, cook for 2 minutes. Add the peas and cook until the pasta is al dente, about another 3–4 minutes, drain and set aside.
- Place the pot over medium-low heat and add butter and olive oil to melt.
- Add the flour and stir with a wooden spoon, making sure to reach the edges of the pot. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the roux from scorching.
- Increase heat to medium and gradually whisk in a few tablespoons of milk at a time, whisking until the milk is incorporated before adding more. Add the vegetable stock and simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, whisking occasionally, 5 minutes.
- Gradually add the cheese, whisking until melted.
- Add the pasta and peas to the cheese sauce, stir to combine, and serve immediately.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.