Recipe

Superfood Mac and Cheese

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30-40 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Mac and Cheese:
● 8 oz whole wheat or chickpea pasta
● 1 cup butternut squash, cut into 1⁄2-inch pieces
● 1 tablespoon oil
● Salt to taste
For the Cheese Sauce:
● 1 tablespoons maca powder
● 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
● 1 cup whole milk
● 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
● 1⁄2 cup shredded gouda or mozzarella cheese
● 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (plain)
● 1 tablespoon olive oil
● 1 clove garlic, minced
● 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric (for extra color and anti-inflammatory
benefits)
● 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
● 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
● Salt to taste
For the Superfood Breadcrumbs:
● 1/2 cup whole grain breadcrumbs (or almond flour for a gluten-free option)
● 2 tablespoons ground flaxseeds
● 2 tablespoons hemp seeds
● 1⁄4 cup chopped pepitas
● 1 tablespoon olive oil
● 1 teaspoon garlic powder
● 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
● Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Roast the squash:
Preheat the oven to 400oF. Cut the squash into small, 1⁄2-inch pieces and
transfer to a baking sheet. Toss in the olive oil and salt, then bake for 10-15
minutes until the squash is easily pierced with a fork.

2. Cook the Pasta:
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and
set aside.

3. Make the Cream Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced
garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Whisk in the maca powder, turmeric, nutritional yeast, Add the milk slowly,
while whisking, until the mixture is smooth.
Stir continuously until the mixture begins to thicken, about 2-3 minutes.
Once the sauce is slightly thickened, remove it from heat and stir in the
shredded cheddar cheese, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, black pepper, and
salt. Continue to stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.

4. Mix the Superfood Breadcrumbs:

In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, pepitas, flaxseeds, chia seeds, hemp
seeds, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

5. Combine and Bake:
Add the cooked pasta and the butternut squash pieces to the cheese sauce,
stirring until the pasta is well coated.
Transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish, sprinkle the superfood
breadcrumb topping evenly over the top.
Place under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, just until the breadcrumbs are golden
and crispy.