Just when you thought mac & cheese couldn't get any better. This curry mac & cheese will blow your mind and taste buds while still being 100% allergy-free, gluten-free, grain-free, and vegan. You'll have no idea that this comfort food is healthy enough to go back for seconds!
I have just made you life (well at least my life) 1000000x better and more delicious! That is no exaggeration! I usually would never post a recipe I made just a few days ago so quickly to the blog (since I have so many old ones that are ahead in the line-up), but this could not wait. Last Saturday, mac and cheese had to happen. It could not wait. What also had to happen was some curry spice action. And boy, did it happen!
I don't even know what to say except I LOVE mac and cheese again. This may be better than potatoes. I don't know what's come over me, but the pasta love has been REAL this summer. I don't mind it one bit either! Now, I've made mac and cheese before, this one on the blog, and another recipe that I haven't posted yet. But this mac and cheese is beyond just good. I really wish I could invite you all over for a mac and cheese party, because not only is this the best (I know, you're getting sick of me already), but it's so easy too! It takes less than 15 minutes tops!
There's one condition though. That is, ketchup. (Now I just made you even more annoyed with me, eh? Too much ketchup talk this summer too?) But hear me out. I've been putting ketchup on mac and cheese since I was a little girl. I will continue to do so until it becomes illegal (which I may just have to commit a crime then). But I'm being real here. Ketchup squeezed on top of perfect mac and cheese is one of the most comforting, delicious, soothing meals you could ever eat. Each fork full is, each bite, produces the most zen and belly-happy spark. I also really dig leftover mac and cheese, reheated in the microwave, (and topped with ketchup!). Childhood pleasures don't change 😉 I can remember being overly excited to get home from school, knowing that the night before we made a box of mac and cheese, and now I could reheat the leftovers as my after-school snack and devour!
However, this mac and cheese is so much better than boxed (or baked...that kind with the breadcrumbs and baked as a casserole in the oven has never looked appealing to me...ever)! That may have to do with the curry spices! It just added to not only the color, but the savory deliciousness. Indian curry spices are such a great complement to a "cheesy" dish. (And add some tomato ketchup and you're winning at life!) I guess this dish is pure comfort to me. Indian is my favorite cuisine, ketchup, nooch, and my favorite grain-free pasta from Banza in shell form (best mac and cheese noodle shape!). Each noodle held the sauce and was such a hearty bite! No mushy slimy "gluten-fail" pasta here!
Curry Mac & Cheese
Curry Mac & Cheese
Just when you thought mac & cheese couldn't get any better. This curry mac & cheese will blow your mind and taste buds while still being 100% allergy-free, gluten-free, grain-free, and vegan. You'll have no idea that this comfort food recipe is healthy enough to go back for seconds!
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Main Dish, Side Dish, Pasta
- Cuisine: American, Indian
Ingredients
- 1 Box (8oz) Banza Chickpea Pasta Shells
- ½ Cup Carrot Puree (I used 1 baby food jar)
- ¼ Cup Nutritional Yeast
- 1 Tsp Curry Powder
- ½ Tsp Onion Powder
- ½ Tsp Garlic Powder
- ¼ Tsp Turmeric
- ¼ Tsp Paprika
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to directions, drain, rinse, and add back to pot.
- Add in the remaining ingredients and stir everything together until the pasta is covered in the creamy sauce.
- Serve and possibly top with ketchup! 😉
Did I surprise you there with the "hidden veggie"? Totally plant-based mac and cheese that's 100% allergy-free! And you would never know it was this healthy and safe! It's really drool-worthy. I was eating my last leftovers the day after I made this while I was editing these photos and wow. It was nice but left me wanting more and more and more! (Food blogger tip: Eat the dish you're editing photos of. It's good and bad!)
So tell me:
+ Have you put ketchup on your mac and cheese?
+ Do you love leftovers like me? I do...so much! I usually think the leftovers are better than the original. Sadly I rarely have leftovers though unless I make a big recipe for the blog.
+ What is your ultimate comfort food combo? Well we all know the Japanese (or Stokes) sweet potato, microwaved and topped with coconut butter and cinnamon is my ultimate! But this mac and cheese does the comfort thing pretty well too 😉
*Recipe linking up for the week! Allergy Free Wednesdays, #RecipeOfTheWeek,#StrangeButGood, Real Food Friday, Gluten-Free Fridays,Tasty Tuesdays, Savoring Saturdays, Healthy Vegan Fridays, Tasty Tuesdays, Meatless Mondays, Lena’s Tasty Tuesdays, Waste Not Want Not!*
Stay connected: Facebook: Strength and Sunshine Twitter: @RebeccaGF666 Instagram: rebeccagf666 Pinterest: RebeccaGF666 Bloglovin’: Strength and Sunshine Google+: Rebecca Pytell
Pali
This looks so amazing, thanks for sharing 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Masala Girl
holy crap. thats literally the easiest vegan mac i've seen!! mine is usually butternut squash pureee + white beans but i'm so going to try this too! and i obviously love curry everythinnng!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
No, no, craziness, do this!!!!!! It will change your life!!!! This is the best Mac and cheese I've ever had.....ever!
Sarah
Ah! Genius! We are having mac and cheese for dinner and I'm totally adding those spices your recommend! How fun:) Thanks Girl!!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Awesome! It makes mac just 50000x even better!
Laurie
Your photos of this dish are stunning!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you so much! That means a lot!
kathy patalsky
Love this curry spin! Beautiful photos. I love how thick and creamy your sauce looks 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you so much Kathy!!
Audrey @ Unconventional Baker
Rebecca, you totally surprised me with this recipe. I've never tried carrot puree in my pasta and I've never had curry in my mac 'n' cheese. This looks amazing and so easy. I'm going to have to make this! And I've always had my mac 'n' cheese with ketchup haha. In fact, there was a time in my childhood when my mom thought ketchup = pasta sauce, so I've done a lot of that too 😀
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
You don't taste the carrot at all, just the secret to the creaminess!
YES!!!!! Reading that just made my day 😉 You know good mac, my friend!
Stephanie
How delicious! Thank you so much!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Sarah R.
WOW!! I never would have thought to combine these ingredients!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It's a winner!
Audrey
Wow! You make healthy look fabulous!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Amanda
Great post.. I can't say I cook like this often but it looks AWESOME !!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Lucky for you this doesn't really take much skill 😉
Sherry
I'm definitely anti-ketchup, but I do love me some mac and cheese! This looks heavenly, too.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Bahahaha, well thanks Sherry 😉
Elaney
I never have carrot purée on hand, but I almost always have a can of pumpkin open. Do you think I could replace the carrot with pumpkin?
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Of course you CAN, but I'm sure the pumpkin has a stronger taste and is a bit thicker than baby food carrot puree. So go ahead and try it, but boiling some carrots and pureeing them with a bit of water as needed isn't to hard.
Lilly
Oh man. So excited to make this! I've hopped on quite the mac and cheese train these last couple of months... cauliflower mac n cheese, vegan mac n cheese, gluten free mac n cheese... I've been experimenting around, but never with curry!! Definitely add curry to your ketchup some time - its amazing. I also love adding curry to my egg salad, but maybe thats just me? Anyways, this looks delicious - thank you!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you! I hope you give it a try!
Deborah Davis
Who can resist the creamy goodness!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I bet you can't!
Renz
I love curry and I love mac and cheese. best combination ever!!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes it is!
Raia
Yep, definitely featuring this at Savoring Saturdays! Thanks so much for sharing it with us, Rebecca!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!!! I think it's my favorite recipe now 😉
Kathy
Looks great!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Dini @ The Flavor Bender
I have to admit I used to add Curry powder to my microwave mac and cheese when I as a student! This is bringing back memories! It looks delicious! 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
OMG!! You are awesome then! Haha! That's fantastic!
Trisha
This looks so delicious! I mean the color is just so wonderful!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, I love the color too! Thanks Trisha!
Shirley Wood
Very interesting recipe, glad I read it. I didn't know chickpea macaroni existed! Your recipes sounds very tasty.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Glad you did too 😛
sue
I don't make Mac and Cheese very often however I like the sound of this curry version.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It's the best!
Jenn Peters
Rebecca, this looks so good! I love curry and I love mac n cheese. So I definitely will have to try this one myself!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I hope you do! It has been a huge winner with everyone!
Amberjane
Looks tasty!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Miz Helen
What a great idea for your Curry Mac and Cheese, it has such a pretty color, perfect for fall.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Sure it is!
Chanel | Cultural Xplorer
Just discovered your blog and I am so happy that I did! This recipe is amazing 😀 I already love mac and cheese and I never had considered adding curry to it, but now the thought makes me VERY excited 😀 Definitely pinning this for later!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you so so much for stopping by!!! I'd say making this mac and cheese is the perfect inaugural Strength and Sunshine recipe then 😉
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner
A mac n cheese party would be lots of fun! How creative to use baby carrots love it.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Carrot creaminess 😉
Alison
I would never have thought that curry would work with mac n cheese, but it looks lovely. My husband would love this
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
The greatest flavors in one!
Tina muir
I loooovveee curry flavored things, what a clever combination, mixing 2 amazing things together to make one super dinner!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
My thoughts exactly!
Sandy Sandmeyer
This is definitely a great way to "adult" a mac and cheese recipe.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, for sure!
Corina
I love the sauce with the curry spices. I've never had a mac and cheese like this before but it looks yummy!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
A Strength and Sunshine original!
Deborah @ Kentucky to Cali
What an interesting recipe! I love Indian food. Can't wait to try it!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Hanna@Arctic Cloudberry
I love left overs, if you eat them cold straight from the fridge the contain no calories!! And this looks lovely!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Ha, well I don't think that's true!
Marla
Hi Rebecca,
What a great healthy alternative to tradition Kraft mac & cheese that contains so many additives. I love the idea of the chickpea pasta with all the other healthy ingredients especially puree carrots.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, for sure! And I've gotta say, much tastier!
Melissa@ vegan does it
Wow, I didn't expect this to be so simple when I read the title. Looks delicious and I like the baby food trick. I'm going to keep that one in mind for future use 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Baby food is one of the best cooking hacks!
Bethany
This look delicious! I love mac and cheese. And... you put ketchup on your mac and cheese? My family and I have been doing this for years, and I thought that we were the only ones! 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Omg! Yes! Long-lost mac 'n ketchup lovers!!! <3
Hannah
Oh my God, this sounds amazing! I can't believe that I've never added curry to mac and cheese. Like, what have I even been doing this whole time? I'm so trying this.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I know right!? You've whole life just seems like a lie now! Hahahahaha!
Yoojin
this recipe is genius! i have to say, my sriracha hot sauce is your ketchup 😉
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
That stuffs good, but not nearly as good as KETCHUP! However I have seen pictures and heard of the new sriracha ketchup....which must be found!
kimmythevegan
Oooh interesting! Kind of a fusion dish. Sounds great =)
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Just making it even better!
Miss Polkadot
Why have I as a major curry fan never thought of this? Oh, right: because Mac and Cheese aren't a classic over here ;). I have eaten curries - one of my standby dishes when I don't know what to cook - generously sprinkled with nutrional yeast before, though. Anyway, this sounds great and while I despise ketchup - don't hate me 😉 - I feel you'd really like the curry ketchup sold over here. Invite me for dinner and I'll bring a bottle of it?!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Curry katchup!? Omg! Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!! You bring the 'chup and I'll make batches of this!!! (And I think you just gave me a new recipe idea....) 😉
Miss Polkadot
Haha, I actually guessed I might ;).
Little Vegan Bear
Looks wonderful! I like the addition of carrot and curry spices - definitely something I'm going to have to try. It sounds a bit lighter than the cashew based macs.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yea! I didn't want to make this super heavy and I wanted it allergy-free!
Lucie
This is amazing Rebecca! I would never have though of combining these flavors! Delicious <3
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you Lucie!!
Krissy @ Pretty Wee Things
This looks delicious, and I totally put ketchup on my mac-cheese. There is a great brand in Australia now that doesn't contain added sugar and is gluten free!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Making your own can still never be beat!
Susan | LunaCafe
Interesting flavor pairing. Not sure about the ketchup though. 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
You won't regret it 😉
Healing Tomato
Oh my! I love seeing my two favorite food groups put together into one recipe. Indian food and mac+cheese. Great recipe idea and I can't wait to try it.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, thank you dear!
Kaitie
Mmmm this looks amazing and a great spin on things!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Michele
Of course the ketchup, lol 🙂 I have to try these shells, shell shape always goes over well in my house and my kids love trying different types of gf pasta.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Give your son a bowl topped with ketchup 😉 Make his day!
Jenn - a traveling Wife
These are two of my favorite things. Now I feel like I need to make this STAT!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
All the more reason!!! 😉
Sarah
Funny I use to put ketchup on my Mac N Cheese but now I think it sounds gross! Haha! This looks delicious!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I think you should give it a try again 😉
Sara
This looks amazing, I love curry but would have never thought to pair it with mac and cheese!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It's the perfect pair 😉
Chelsey
I just bought some curry powder and now I know what to do with it!! Thanks!! And totally sharing the Banza love today! 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Banze = <3
Shashi at RunninSrilankan
Such a fantastic idea to use carrot puree and curry! Fantastic take on mac and cheese Rebeccca
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you, thank you!!
Emily @ Zen & Spice
I've only used curry powder a couple times... when I use it I always remember how amazing it smells and how I need to use it more often. Love the mac n cheese combo!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It's one of my most used spices! Once you find a good brand you like, it's just such a quick mix to throw on any dish!
Julia
I love curry and never thought to add it a mac & cheese. I love the idea!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It's the perfect flavoring!
Tiffany
I absolutely LOVE indian food (and mac & cheese for that matter) so I'll HAVE to try this.
Thanks for sharing.
x Tiff
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Double love!
Amelia @ Eating Made Easy
Why didn't I think of this?? Carrot puree is brilliant as well. Way to reinvent mac n cheese.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It is the best vegan hack!
Aurora@Fitness is Sweet
I definitely agree that shells are the best for mac n cheese! I've been meaning to try making mac n cheese with nutritional yeast (because I'm sort of obsessed with it)-this may be the recipe I'll have to try!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Nooch is an essential to my life!!! I can't get enough of the stuff!
Liz
Oooh what a good idea to use baby food! So much easier than making your own carrot puree! This looks super yummy 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I use baby food all the time for baking and everything! The jars are so cheap I always keep a huge stock in the pantry!
chloe
This seems so simple and delicious! I rly love your recipes, keep them coming!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Aw, thank you so much dear!!! xoxoxo I'll never stop 😉
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl
Oh my gosh, yum!! This sounds amazing! It's a shame I cannot eat it right now... but hopefully someday!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Chickpeas will be back in that diet soon! 😉 They have too! Hahaha!
Sarah | Well and Full
This is such a unique recipe!! I've never seen a vegan mac + cheese made with carrot puree before but I'm super intrigued. 😀
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
You don't even taste any carrot, but it's so much better than watering it down with a plant milk!
Meal Makeover Mom Janice
Mac and Cheese for grownups! Love the addition of curry - I'll make it the next time my parents come over since my mom is on a low gluten diet. 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
And kids! Everyone will love love love!
Stephanie Stuart
Oohhhh curry! What a great twist on an old favorite. I just love that this is so good for you and good tasting too! Something to try with the kiddies for sure 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes! The whole family will love it!
lauren
This looks incredible! I never thought of mixing curry with mac and cheese (and my boyfriend is Bengali so you'd think we'd have come up with something like this to eat!)
I cannot wait to try this - printing this recipe as we speak!
xx Lauren
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes! You will both love it then!!! I was feeling curry last week and thought it would totally rock with my mac & cheese craving too!
Jessica Haynes
This looks SO delicious I can't even handle it. Totally pinning it for later.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, I still can't handle it!
Amy
Adding curry and spices to mac and cheese is brilliant! Way to go, I am so going to have to try this!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Please do!!! It will blow you mind 😉
Natalie | Feasting on Fruit
It's MAC N CHEESE day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Holy wow!!!! When you said easy you meant super, duper, I can do it EASY! When I saw the word curry in the email this morning I was like whoa, didn't expect that, but I love the sound of it <3 And I was waiting to see a pic with a big blob of red on top (maybe once i visually saw the combo it would feel more right) but you left it pure for the pics....as it should be 🙂 Btw you took the words right out of my mouth about shells being the best shape for mac n cheese! The best, the only! This is totally going to happen 😉
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
So I actually took a pic the next day with the ketchup...but it was with my phone and not pretty. In my moments of bliss I almost posted it to instagram, but then it would have turned everyone off and yea....they wouldn't be so excited, hahaha! It was pretty enough without it....but it tastes even more magical WITH it! 😉 So when you go to the store, I want you to buy some good quality ketchup for this baby too!
Shells <3 The best! Besides like Spongebob Squarepants shaped Kraft....which I loved 😉
Natalie | Feasting on Fruit
Well you should send me the pic anyways! And I'm pretty sure I have that Organicville ketchup in my fridge already. It's the carrot puree and pasta I need 🙂 And surprisingly I have almost all these spices too!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I ALMOST did send it to you on facebook! Hahahaha! Damn it!....I think I deleted it now :/....just another reason to make more 😉
I'm surprised you have the savory spices 😉 That's a good sign! O! I'll message you about the pasta later (unless you have it at the store!)
Tara | Treble in the Kitchen
Love the ingredient list here!! Looks amazing 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you Tara!
Jen
You had me at curry. Can't wait to try this!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
You must!! It will blow you mind! Haha!
Rachel @ Athletic Avocado
I love how you used carrots and nutritional yeast for the "cheese"! This looks so yummy!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Clever, right? 😉 Haha! Thanks!
Farrah
I'm usually not actually the biggest fan of mac & cheeese, but a curry version of it!?!? *-* I definitely need to try this out!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
This is not your typical mac & cheese....you will LOVE it!