Co-op Mac ‘n’ Cheese
When I moved to Austin, I remember the first time I went to Wheatsville Co-op. I got down on some popcorn tofu like it was going out of style. A year later, I now live closer to Wheatsville and discovered their Mac ‘n’ Cheese with broccoli in their new hot bar. I suggest all you Austinites try it at some point, but for those of you who don’t live in Austin (or you poor college kids who can’t afford the luxuries of prepared pasta dishes), here is my tribute to the Wheatsville Mac ‘n’ Cheese with broccoli. This recipe is probably not close to the real thing at all, but it works for cravings!
Co-op Mac ‘n’ Cheese
Makes 2 generous servings
- 2-3 cups cooked pasta
- 1 cup steamed broccoli
- 1/2 cup Nutritional Yeast
- 1T All Purpose flour
- 1/2c Water
- 1/4c Vegan Margarine (or canola oil)
- 1/4t Turmeric
- 1/4t Cumin
- 1/2t Salt
- 1/8t White Pepper
- 1/2t Paprika
- 1t Garlic Powder
- 1/2t Tamari or Soy Sauce (Optional, in my opinion)
Note: If using margarine, you’ll want to combine your ingredients in a small saucepan in order to melt the margarine. If using oil, heating the cheese sauce is not really necessary (the hot pasta will heat it up), so you can just use a medium sized bowl.
Combine the nutritional yeast and flour. Add water, and stir. Add the rest of the ingredients, and if using margarine, cook on medium heat for 3-5 minutes, just until margarine is melted. If using oil, I just add the oil last and make sure everything is mixed well. Combine cheese sauce with hot cooked pasta, steamed broccoli, and serve warm!
If you are watching your calories, you can substitute the oil/margarine with water. I’d start with 2-3 tablespoons, and go from there to achieve the correct consistency. Keep in mind that the sauce will thicken a little bit when combined with the hot pasta.
mollyjade Said,
March 13, 2010 @ 12:49 am
I think their Mac’n'cheese is closer to greasy nooch noodles than Mac’n'cheese. But whatever it is, it tastes great.
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Rachel Said,
March 13, 2010 @ 1:27 pm
Oh wow! This looks amazing!!
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kristen Said,
March 14, 2010 @ 12:47 am
haha Molly, somehow I’m totally ok with greasy nooch noodles. ;)
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Melisser Said,
March 14, 2010 @ 2:22 am
YUM! That looks awesome.
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JENNA Said,
March 16, 2010 @ 1:57 pm
YUM YUM YUM! There is nothing I like more than a noochie mac and cheese.
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lazysmurf Said,
March 22, 2010 @ 1:40 pm
I love their mac & cheese so much! Sometimes my craving for it is so intense that I can’t even think about anything else and then I go all the way to the co-op and they don’t have and I freak out on the employees. Ok, I don’t freak out on the employees because we all love each other at the co-op but I inwardly freak out! Can’t wait to try your recipe!
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Elisa Said,
March 30, 2010 @ 5:36 pm
I just made this and added 2 TBSP of margarine, onion powder, cayenne, and subbed frozen peas for broccoli and it was awesome! I usually don’t like nooch-heavy stuff because its too strong for me but the sweet peas balanced it out. Thanks!
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Meghan Said,
April 2, 2010 @ 7:45 pm
Just made this as a super quick dinner and loved it- my boyfriend too!
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rich Said,
April 8, 2010 @ 10:13 pm
i’ve never had mac w/ broccoli, but i’m gonna try it cuz yours looks good.
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tracy Said,
June 8, 2010 @ 1:10 pm
oooooh! i’m gonna hafta try this! i’ve got the nutritional yeast in my pantry!
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Jenny Said,
September 3, 2010 @ 6:14 pm
To make it extra creamy, use oat flour.
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