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Buffalo Cauliflower Quinoa Mac + Cheese Recipe

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3.9 from 15 reviews

This Buffalo Cauliflower Quinoa Mac + Cheese is a vibrant, creamy, vegan dish that combines tender steamed cauliflower and carrots blended into a flavorful buffalo sauce with nutritional yeast, then tossed with protein-packed quinoa. It’s a delicious, dairy-free alternative to traditional mac and cheese, perfect for those seeking a nutritious, plant-based comfort meal ready in just 20 minutes.

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Grains

  • 1 cup uncooked quinoa
  • 2 cups water (for cooking quinoa)

Vegetables

  • 2 heaping cups cauliflower florets
  • 1 cup chopped carrots

Sauce and Flavorings

  • 1/3 cup + 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
  • 1/4 cup vegan buffalo sauce
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 tablespoon hemp hearts
  • 1 teaspoon miso paste (or gluten-free tamari)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 garlic clove)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook quinoa: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup uncooked quinoa with 2 cups water and cook over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, or until the water is fully absorbed and the quinoa is tender.
  2. Steam vegetables: In a separate pot, steam 2 heaping cups of cauliflower florets and 1 cup chopped carrots for 10-15 minutes until they are soft and tender.
  3. Blend sauce: Transfer the steamed cauliflower and carrots to a blender. Add 1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast, 1/4 cup vegan buffalo sauce, 2 tablespoons water, 1 tablespoon hemp hearts, 1 teaspoon miso paste (or gluten-free tamari), 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 garlic clove), 1 teaspoon lemon juice, and 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper. Blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  4. Combine: Pour the creamy buffalo cauliflower sauce over the cooked quinoa, using about half to three-quarters of the sauce depending on your preference. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
  5. Season and serve: Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning by adding more nutritional yeast or buffalo sauce if desired. Serve immediately or mix in additional toppings or ingredients as preferred.

Notes

  • Quinoa can be rinsed prior to cooking to remove its natural bitterness.
  • Steaming vegetables ensures they retain nutrients while becoming tender enough to blend smoothly.
  • Nutritional yeast provides the cheesy flavor without dairy.
  • Adjust buffalo sauce quantity to control spiciness.
  • This dish is best served fresh but can be refrigerated and gently reheated.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan

Find it online: https://recipeteach.com/buffalo-cauliflower-quinoa-mac-cheese-recipe/