Red Lentil Mac n Cheese (high protein)

Hey, are you sick and tired of seeing cashew cheese on the internet? Yeahhhh. Well, I’ve got the solution for you. 

Here’s a secret: you don’t have to sacrifice your protein intake to go plant-based. In fact, I actually GAINED the most muscle in my life since making the switch. How? Well, of course you need to put in the work. You don’t gain muscles just by sitting around on your ass all day and eating healthier. I’ve been able to completely up my workouts with a body that is now fueled by plants and whole foods, instead of protein bars and counting calories. 

When I went plant-based, one of the foods I missed the most was mac n cheese. It’s a food that brings me feelings of nostalgia, comfort, and ultimate satisfaction unlike any other. However, cheese also makes me feel like I want to take a nap after eating large amounts of it and I much rather have my food fueling me rather than putting me to sleep. 

Check out my easy red lentil cheese recipe that is high in protein, cheaper than cashew cheese, tastier, and it crisps up like real cheese too.

Ingredients: 

  • 1 box of elbow macaroni 

  • 1 cup of red lentils 

  • 3 cups of water

  • 1 cup of oat milk 

  • ¼ cup of nutritional yeast 

  • 4 tbsp garlic powder 

  • 1 tbsp white miso paste

  • 1 tbsp paprika 

  • 4 tbsp tapioca starch 

  • The juice of a whole lemon 

  • 1/2 tbsp of salt

  • Pepper 

Instructions: 

  1. Boil your water in a pot on the stove top then add in your red lentils when it’s ready. Turn the heat to medium and cover, then let it sit for 7 minutes until it looks like mush. 

  2. Once that’s cooked down, add everything to a blender and pulverize until it’s a smooth cheesy consistency. If you’re using a Vitamix, the power of the blender should thicken the mixture.

  3. In another large pot, boil 6 cups of water and one box of elbow macaroni following the box instructions. Once it’s cooked, drain and leave to the side. 

  4. Scoop the lentil cheese mixture into the pot and turn the stove on medium heat. Mix constantly until the cheese has thickened into a queso-like consistency.

  5. Lastly, add your cooked macaroni in and any other veggies you’d like. Enjoy! 

DVFBryn Yasuihighprotein, vegan, veganrecipes, dirtyveganfoodComment