Looking for a delicious dairy-free alternative to traditional mac and cheese? This creamy Macaroni in Minced Meat Cashew Nut Sauce offers a unique and satisfying twist on the classic pasta dish. The natural richness of cashews provides a wonderfully creamy texture without any dairy products.
This innovative recipe combines the nutty sweetness of cashews with savory minced meat to create a hearty, nutritious pasta sauce. The cashews not only add creaminess but also bring their own nutritional benefits and subtle flavor that perfectly complements the other ingredients.
Ingredients
- 2 cups macaroni pasta
- 1 cup roasted cashew nuts (powdered)
- 1 cup minced meat (beef or chicken)
- 3 mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 cooking spoon tomato/pepper/onion blend
- 1/4 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder
- 1 cooking spoon vegetable oil
- Beef or chicken seasoning to taste
- Dry pepper to taste
- Salt to taste
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Serves: 4
Steps to Follow
- Step 1: Mix the minced meat with beef seasoning, ginger powder, minced garlic, dry pepper, and tomato/pepper/onion blend
- Step 2: Heat oil in a pan and cook the minced meat, breaking up any lumps
- Step 3: Cover and cook for 10 minutes until meat releases its juices
- Step 4: Meanwhile, cook macaroni according to package instructions and set aside
- Step 5: Create a paste by mixing powdered cashews with 1/4 cup warm water or meat stock
- Step 6: In a separate pan, heat 2 tablespoons oil and sauté chopped onion and mushrooms for 2 minutes
- Step 7: Add the cashew paste to the meat and cook for 2 minutes until sauce thickens
- Step 8: Return sautéed onions and mushrooms to the sauce, adjust seasoning
- Step 9: Add cooked macaroni to the sauce and stir well for 1-2 minutes
- Step 10: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot
Additional Instructions
- Ensure cashews are well-powdered for a smooth sauce
- Can be made with either beef or chicken mince
- Mushrooms are optional but add extra flavor and texture
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Reheat gently with a splash of water to maintain sauce consistency
- Suitable for dairy-free diets
- Contains nuts – not suitable for people with nut allergies
General Nutritional Values
- Approx. Calories: 450 kcal per serving
- Approx. Protein: 22g
- Approx. Carbohydrates: 48g
- Approx. Fat: 21g