2 Plant-Based Side Dishes

Author: Shana Thomas

It's all about the side dishes for me. During the holidays, I am consumed with the side dishes bringing the most depth of flavor to my meals. I've been cooking so much and wanted to share a few side dishes I'll be making for family gatherings and holidays. In this post, I'll be sharing recipes for vegan macaroni and roasted potatoes.

Vegan Mac & CheeseThis vegan mac & cheese recipe is creamy, rich, and flavorful.

Ingredients:

Vegan Cheese Sauce

  • 3/4 cup peeled and diced white potato of your choice
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 3/4 cup peeled and diced sweet potato
  • 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
  • 1/4 cup cashews
  • 2 garlic clove
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup olive oil or use oil of your choice
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Remaining ingredients
  • 12 oz macaroni pasta
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
  • sea salt to taste

Method:

  • 1. Add the potatoes to a saucepan and cover with cold water and drop in a few pinches of salt. Once the water comes to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, and cook until fork-tender, 8-13 minutes.
  • 2. Drain the water and transfer the potatoes to a high-speed blender with cashews, garlic, nutritional yeast, onion powder, salt, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and water. Blend until creamy and smooth.
  • 3. After the cheese sauce is made set it aside.
  • 4. Make the pasta according to the package directions and add a few dashes of salt to the boiling water. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta cooking water.
  • 5. Drain and transfer the pasta back to the pot. Stir in the cheese sauce, adding as much of the remaining pasta water as needed, to loosen the sauce. Add black pepper and salt, to taste.

Roasted Garlic PotatoesThese garlic roasted potatoes are herby, creamy, and crispy.

Ingredients:

  • 3 pounds of small potatoes of your choice
  • 3 tbsp grapeseed oil or avocado oil
  • 6-7 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley or other herbs
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Method:

  • Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Cut your potatoes in half or quarters (if they're big) and place them in a mixing bowl with the grapeseed oil, minced garlic, parsley, sea salt, and pepper.
  • Add all the ingredients to a large bowl and mix until well coated.
  • Transfer the herby potatoes to a parchment-lined sheet pan and spread them out on one even layer. Roast the potatoes for 45-55 minutes, stirring halfway through, until browned and golden.
  • Once cooled, transfer the potatoes to a serving platter. If you'd like, sprinkle a little extra parsley & lemon juice on top before serving.