2 cups cashews
3/4 cup water
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon sea salt (or slightly less)
1/3 cup nutritional yeast
Optional: 2 to 3 more tablespoons water if needed to facilitate blending
Directions
1. Throw all ingredients in a high-speed blender.
2. Blend. This recipe can be a bit of a @#$#$% when blending, so if you're having trouble getting the mixture to mix properly, turn your high-speed blender off and insert a spatula down one side to let a pocket of air down near the blades. Then remove the spatula, put the lid back on and continue blending--going from slow all the way up to fast again. You can also add a bit more water (mentioned above) but I try not to add any more water than three additional tablespoons because I like to keep the texture nice and thick.
3. Serve with noodles . For noodles, you all know that I am obsessed with kelp noodles, so that's what I use for my raw macaroni and cheese extravaganzas. But if you're cheap and/or disorganized and don't have raw kelp noodles, you can make zucchini noodles using a carrot peeler.
4. Garnish with lots of pepper! Normally, I don't really like pepper, but this recipe just totally gets better when you sprinkle a lot of pepper on it. Don't ask me why. It just does. Oh! And you could also even serve with raw ketchup :)
Enjoy this raw macaroni and cheese recipe! I don't have children, but something tells me they would just love this raw recipe as a treat on a cold, wintry day.
The Rawtarian's Thoughts
Raw macaroni and cheese... This recipe was born out of me saying to myself, "I need some raw macaroni and cheese right now or I am going to scream!" So I busted out my Vitamix and a sac of cashews and got to work creating this simple but ooeeey, gooey cheesey recipe.
Beware: this raw macaroni and cheese sauce is very potent! Start with a tiny bit of sauce and mix it into your noodles and then add more as your tastebuds dictate. If you add too much this raw mac and cheese recipe can be overpowering and way too saucy. So start slow with the sauce!
You can use this photo as a guide. See how the noodles aren't swimming in sauce, they are just lightly coated? That's what you want to start with when it comes to this raw macaroni and cheese.
OK, and due to my noodles it's not really a raw macaroni and cheese recipe, it's more like spaghetti and cheese, but the taste is what's important, right??!
PS: In case this photo is confusing you, the photo shows raw kelp noodles coated in alfredo sauce and a dollop of red raw tomato ketchup on top :)
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Comments
The Rawtarian
Dec 08, 2012
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Hi Sally, I haven't heard of this MSG thing before
Cassandra
May 27, 2012
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I just made this dish with zucchini "noodles" and it is goooood. I added a tiny bit of garlic to the mix to offset the sweetness of the cashews and make it a little more comfort-foodish. I must to admit I am a bit of a cheater who only flirts with raw foods and I did slightly heat the meal in a saucepan.
The Rawtarian
May 27, 2012
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haha we forgive you
Mel
Jun 05, 2012
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Hi!! So i've been craving mac n cheese and i'm trying to get back in shape so gave up noodles and I LOVE Kelp Noodles. I made the recipe according to directions but for some reason it doesn't at all taste cheesy, it does have a yeast flavor (I believe that is what i'm tasting that isn't to my liking) I tried adding some garlic to it as some others have and still had a yeasty taste... is there something i did wrong? I used Red Star Nutritional Yeast, freshly opened.
Thanks for any suggestion or help!!!
Bo
Jun 13, 2012
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This is fantastic! The sauce also doubles as a yummy cheese sauce for broccoli!!
The Rawtarian
Dec 08, 2012
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Definitely yum over broccoli Bo!
Kristine
Jun 25, 2012
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So this sauce doesn't go directly on the noodles, right? I should make the alfredo sauce first and then add this like a garnish?
Kristine
Jun 27, 2012
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I figured it out :) That must be your raw ketchup in the photo. I thought that was the "cheese" sauce. Thanks for another great recipe!
The Rawtarian
Sep 13, 2012
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Sorry, this is confusing that I put a big dollop of ketchup on top. Yes, Kristine - you are correct! It is alfredo mixed with noodles with ketchup plopped on top :)
Leisa
Jul 03, 2012
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I got in late and was STARVING so I wanted something fast and really couldn't face a salad in the cold weather. I had never tried this recipe before and was reluctant to be experimenting when I just wanted to go for a sure thing. I was not disappointed! Absolutely delicious, and I really appreciated the "crunch" factor. But you're right, it is a $^&#@ to blend!!
The Rawtarian
Sep 13, 2012
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Haha - at least you had been warned!! :)
Joe
Jul 15, 2012
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I just bought a package of kelp noodles and I'm so excited to try this.
The Rawtarian
Sep 13, 2012
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I hope it was delicious Joe!
laura
Aug 21, 2012
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I loved this recipe, I added a bit of carrot to the mixture to change the color to more of a orange yellow, and I just used the nuts I had on hand (1/2 almonds, the other half sunflower seeds). The pepper, I agree added a ton.
Thank you, it was delicious.
The Rawtarian
Sep 13, 2012
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Now - the addition of the carrot is a mighty fine idea for a cheddary cheese look! Haven't tried this myself yet though - I wouldn't add too much in case it changes the flavour
carrie
Sep 06, 2012
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made this tonight for dinner,.... OH MY GAWD! i cannot believe how delicious this is,... thank you :)
The Rawtarian
Sep 07, 2012
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haha I know! It was in my regular rotation so much that I had to take it out lol
KJP
Sep 13, 2012
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It didn't look like the picture, but it tasted great!!!!! Thanks so much for the website!! Everything I have made so far has tasted great!!!!!
The Rawtarian
Sep 13, 2012
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Your words are music to my ears :)
Hope
Sep 19, 2012
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We eat raw every now and then. It gets expensive with 5 people. This recipe sounds great, by the way. I will have to try it. When we have noodles, we use kelp noodles. I have to heat them a little in what ever sauce we have because they crunch and my oldest does not like it when they do that. Is there another way to soften them up like regular noodles?
The Rawtarian
Sep 20, 2012
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Some people soak in lemon water before using - the acidity softens. Then rinse before using to get rid of lemoniness.
Also, instead sometimes I like to apply the sauce the night before sometimes and stir thoroughly. Then refrigerate. The sauce softens them if left long enough
Jennifer
Oct 09, 2012
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I am new to raw vegan and find your website amazing. I would love to try this on my kids, but unfortunately they have nut allergies. They can eat almonds though. Have you ever tried these recipes with almonds? So many raw recipes use cashews!
The Rawtarian
Oct 11, 2012
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Hi Jennifer, cashews are used predominantly for their "creaminess" - almonds just won't be the same. You can sub macadamia for creaminess in some recipes, in others you could try avocados (but avos won't work as a sub in this recipe).
You may be interested in my podcast on the subject on nut substitutions: http://www.therawtarian.com/rfp05-nut-substitutions
Jennifer
Oct 12, 2012
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Thank you, that was helpful. Actually, pine nuts are the saving grace for the creaminess factor, because they are not really "nuts". Pine nuts are actually seeds thus eliminating the tree nut allergen! Expensive alternative, but worth the splurge for a special occasion.
The Rawtarian
Oct 12, 2012
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This is a great tip!! I didn't realize that pine nuts were safe for some nut allergy sufferers. Thanks for sharing Jennifer!!!! A great idea worth further exploration depending on the type of allergy or special diet one is one, of course :)
Natalie
Oct 29, 2012
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Many thanks - I made this last night and my husband liked it also! We are on a cleanse and looking for raw recipes that will fill us up. The kelp noodles are great - and the sauce is very creamy. The ketchup is amazing and I am now on the search for more things to do with it - when I am finished with raw only, i will be more than happy to have this raw ketchup with baked fries. Thanks - very excited - chicken salad for dinner tonight, mushroom soup the next.
The Rawtarian
Dec 08, 2012
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Hi Natalie, you are making some awesome choices!!! I love this alfredo with kelp noodles, only lately I've been actually having my kelp noodles with my mac and cheese sauce instead - which I love even better! And with ketchup is fun. And the chick salad and mush soup are great too. My mouth is watering :) You should definitely try some sweets too, some of my faves are the brownies with icing and the cheesecake.
Ilona
Dec 01, 2012
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My favorite raw recipe, thank you! I make this all the time, and made it for a raw vegan potluck to rave reviews!
The Rawtarian
Dec 08, 2012
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Hi Ilona, glad this was a hit at your potluck!
Kari
Dec 30, 2012
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This is the most amazing raw recipe I have ever had! My girlfriend thinks I'm the best now for choosing it to make for dinner! Haha
Posted from The Rawtarian App
The Rawtarian
Jan 06, 2013
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I am Laura-Jane The Rawtarian - creator of raw recipes and relationship-super-maker! :)
Mary
Jan 02, 2013
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Is the crunch similar to a regular pastas al dente texture? And if I wanted to soften the mac & cheese overnight in the fridge, could I re-heat in my dehydrator? BTW, I love your site! Your recipes are delicious and easily made by common folks. I had the tacos yesterday, wrapped in lettuce leaves topped guacamole and cilantro. Yes, they were delicious! Thank you for responding to our comments and questions.
The Rawtarian
Jan 06, 2013
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Hi Mary! Pasta similar to al-dente texture? Yes, pretty similar, but it is best to let the noodles and sauce soak together for a bit so that they are not too rubbery - then once they soften a bit they will be like al dente.
Reheat in the dehydrator? Definitely.
PS: Glad you like the tacos. They are fun to eat!
Sandy
Feb 02, 2013
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Awesome site and great recipes!
Not sure if this was mentioned or not but kelp noodles have a much better texture after they've been soaked in water and lemon for a few hours. I've even had them sit in this cheese sauce overnight in the fridge and the outcome is a less crunchy "al dente" texture to the noodles. :)
Thanks xo
Sandy
Feb 02, 2013
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Oops, guess I missed page 2 responses! You already had it covered ;)
The Rawtarian
Feb 02, 2013
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The more the better! Thanks for the excellent insights Sandy and glad to have you here :)
annie
Feb 05, 2013
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What is nutritional yeast? Is that marmite?
The Rawtarian
Feb 05, 2013
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Hi Annie, no, it is not marmite... I give a bit more info on this page: http://www.therawtarian.com/recommended-raw-food-appliances-and-specialt...
I think it has a different name in Australia... I know someone left it in a comment here once... I wish I could remember the name! sorry about that Annie
Gabrielle
Feb 15, 2013
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I don't think I have ever left a comment on any website I browse. But this recipe was so good, I had no choice but to compliment you! I have been reading this site for a few weeks and have made this and your brownies! Both were so good, and just what I needed to keep me focused eating raw! I am about 2 mo in eating raw, and I was on a hunt for a raw birthday cake for my soon to be two year old son when I came across your site, I am excited to give more of your recipes a try! Thank you so much for sharing your talent!
The Rawtarian
Feb 17, 2013
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Hi Gabrielle, I am honoured to be your first! Glad to have you here and to be able to make raw a little easier for you :)
Lizzy
Feb 24, 2013
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This sauce is AMAZING ! I haven't eaten cheese for around 2 years as I don't digest it well and I've really missed it, but no longer! I only made a 1/4 of the amount to try it out, I should have made more! Thank you so much for your really simple, effective raw recipies and resources. I have found a new food love!
I have a question, why do you only use the white part of the courgette? Isn't the green where all the good stuff is? Is this just aesthetic? Or is there another reason?
Thanks again!
Posted from The Rawtarian App
The Rawtarian
Feb 24, 2013
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Hi Lizzy, so glad you are enjoying this one. It is pretty cheesy!
Re: courgette (zucchini) peeling is purely for aesthetics :)
tina
Mar 11, 2013
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in australia we have vegemite to answer Annies query, i believe nutritional yeast is called yeast flakes in Australia
Posted from The Rawtarian App
The Rawtarian
Mar 15, 2013
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Thank you TINA!
Jenn
Mar 11, 2013
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Wow! This was yummy! I am formerly the world's pickiest eater, so that is a huge compliment.
Question: Do you happen to know a place online to get less expensive raw cashews? I paid almost $9/lb and that make this dish a little too gourmet for my budget. Any ideas?
AzVegan
Mar 11, 2013
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If you live near a Trader Joe's they are surprisingly inexpensive there.
Posted from The Rawtarian App
Kellymfowler
Mar 14, 2013
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Just made this for my dinner...first time trying kelp noodles...yum! I sprinkled some parsley on top which gave it a nice bite :)
Juan Diegalo
Mar 29, 2013
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I just made this for dinner, last night. I used Grains of Paradise instead of black pepper. It's surprisingly, refreshingly cheesy! Many thanks, Laura!
The Rawtarian
Mar 30, 2013
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My pleasure Juan!
Juan Diegalo
Mar 29, 2013
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I was just looking up RAW CASHEWS on Amazon. Some of the 10 lb cases work out to $6 and change a pound, even with shipping. I'm going to order one and keep it in my fridge, because I can't handle $10 a pound at the store either!
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