Cauliflower Casserole with Cashew Cream Sauce (or... Baked Mac and Cheese with Cauliflower!)

1 head cauliflower, trimmed and chopped

1 tsp kosher salt

4 cups cooked elbow macaroni

1/2 cup shredded vegan mozzarella-style cheese (or Parmesan)

Red pepper flakes (optional)

For the sauce:

1 cup raw cashews

Juice of 2 lemons

14 oz can coconut milk

2 Tbsp nutritional yeast

1/4 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp kosher salt

1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1. To make the cream sauce, place the cashews in a medium bowl, cover with boiling water and soak for 15 minutes. Drain the water and transfer the cashews to a blender. Add the lemon juice, coconut milk, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, salt and pepper.  Blend until smooth and set aside.

2. In a large bowl, combine the cauliflower, olive oil, and salt.  Toss well to coat.

3. Place the cauliflower on a baking sheet and roast in a 425 F oven for 25 to 30 minutes, turning halfway through. (Tips for roasting cauliflower here.)

4. Transfer the cauliflower to a large bowl. Add the pasta and cashew sauce. Spread the mixture into a casserole dish and sprinkle the cheese on top. Bake at 400 F until the cheese melts.

5. Allow casserole to cool slightly. Serve with the red pepper flakes (if using).

Source: adapted from Healthy Vegan Air Fryer Cookbook

Cream of Spinach Pockets

Cashew Cream Sauce:

1/4 cup water

1/2 cup raw cashews

3 Tbsp nutritional yeast

2 Tbsp cider vinegar

Salt and freshly ground pepper

Filling:

1 Tbsp vegetable oil

1 medium onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup frozen spinach, thawed

1/4 cup fresh parsley

4 medium pita pockets or tortillas

1. Put all the cream sauce ingredients, including salt and pepper to taste, in a high-speed blender and mix until it is all smooth, then set aside.

2. To make the filling, heat the oil in a pan over medium heat and add the onion.  Stir and cook for 3 to 5 minutes before adding the garlic and spinach.  Cook them for an additional 3 minutes.  Add the cashew cream sauce and cook until it thickens a little and has a creamy consistency, about 2 to 3 minutes.  Turn off the heat and mix in the parsley.

3. Stuff each pita pocket with filling or spread the filling over half a tortilla and fold the other half over.  Cook the filled pita or tortilla in a panini maker or a skillet.

Source: Easy Vegan Breakfasts & Lunches, by Maya Sozer