best Amazing Vegan Mac and Cheese

• • 8 ounces whole-grain macaroni elbows
  • 1 head of broccoli, florets cut into small bites (about 1 ½ to 2 cups), optional*
  • 1 ½ tablespoons avocado oil or extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, chopped (about 1 ½ cups)
  • 1 cup peeled and grated russet potato (4 ounces, about 1 small or ½ medium potato), preferably organic
  • 3 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
  • ½ teaspoon dry mustard powder
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt, more to taste
  • Small pinch of Frontier Co-op red pepper flakes
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion pwder
  • ⅔ cup raw cashews
  • 1 cup water, more as necessary
  • ¼ cup Frontier Co-op nutritional yeast
  • 2 to 3 teaspoons apple cider vinegar or distilled white vinegar, to taste

How to Make It

• Bring a large pot of salted water to boil for the pasta. Cook according to package directions. If using broccoli, stir it into the pot when just 2 to 3 more minutes remain. Drain, and transfer the contents to a large serving bowl.
• Meanwhile, in a medium-to-large saucepan, warm the oil over medium heat. Add the onion and a pinch of salt and cook, stirring often, until the onion is tender and turning translucent, about 5 minutes.
• Add the grated potato, garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, salt and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine, and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute to enhance their flavors.
• Add the cashews and water, and stir to combine. Let the mixture come to a simmer. Continue simmering, stirring frequently and reducing heat as necessary to avoid a rapid boil, until the potatoes are completely tender and cooked through, about 5 to 8 minutes.
• Carefully pour the mixture into a blender. Add the nutritional yeast and 2 teaspoons vinegar. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth, about 2 minutes, stopping to scrape down the sides if necessary. If the mixture won’t blend easily or if you would prefer a thinner consistency, add water in ¼ cup increments, blending after each one.
• Taste, and blend in additional salt until the sauce is utterly irresistible (I typically add at least another ½ teaspoon). If it needs a little more zip, add the remaining teaspoon of vinegar. Blend again.
• Pour the sauce into the bowl of pasta. Stir until well combined, and serve immediately. Leftovers keep well, chilled and covered, for 3 to 4 days. Gentle reheat, adding a tiny splash of water if necessary to loosen up the sauce.