Sweet Potato Mac’n’Cheese

You know those days when you’re craving some ooey-gooey, cheesy comfort food but don’t want to deal with the aftermath of belly bloat or a breakout? Yeah, we’ve all been there. Well, guess what? Your comfort food dreams are about to come true—without the discomfort!

I’ve got the perfect recipe for you: my Sweet Potato Mac’n’Cheese. It’s a hug in a bowl that won’t mess with your gut or skin. This dish gives you all the warmth and creaminess you’d expect from traditional mac and cheese but without dairy or any of those hard-to-digest ingredients. You’re going to get that indulgent, nostalgic taste while also feeding your body nutrients that actually love you back. It’s a win-win, my friends! So grab your apron, and let’s get cooking.

Sweet Potatoes: The Unsung Heroes for Skin Health

Sweet potatoes are seriously a wonder food when it comes to skin health. First of all, they’re a fantastic source of beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is like a superhero for your skin; it helps regulate oil production and encourages the growth of new skin cells, a vital factor for anyone dealing with acne.

They also come loaded with vitamin C, which is not only great for your immune system but is a key ingredient in collagen production. Collagen is what keeps our skin plump and youthful, and who doesn’t want that?

• Gut Health: Sweet potatoes are rich in fibre, particularly the soluble kind, which is excellent for your digestive system. Soluble fibre can help improve gut health by nourishing the good bacteria in our intestines. A happy gut translates to better skin, reducing flare-ups and inflammation.
• Liver Function: The beta-carotene and other antioxidants in sweet potatoes assist your liver in its detoxification roles. A clean, well-functioning liver is vital for hormonal balance. When the liver is working effectively, it helps to remove excess hormones and toxins, which can be key players in chronic acne.
• Hormonal Balance: The various nutrients in sweet potatoes, such as magnesium and vitamin B6, benefit hormone synthesis and balance. Magnesium is especially crucial as it plays a role in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body, including those that regulate our stress hormones. When hormones are balanced, the skin is more likely to be clear and less prone to breakouts.

Cashews for the Win

Let’s not forget about the amazing raw cashews that help give this dish its dreamy, creamy texture! Cashews are a nutritional treasure trove, high in healthy fats—specifically, monounsaturated fats. These fats are great for your heart and help absorb fat-soluble vitamins like A and E. Remember, these vitamins help keep our skin glowing and acne at bay.

Besides, cashews are a good source of magnesium, which is crucial for various biochemical reactions in your body, including those that help detox your liver. A well-functioning liver is key to hormonal balance, which, as you may know, is essential for clear, healthy skin.

In the protein department, cashews also help out here as well. Protein is vital for tissue repair and regeneration, including that of your skin. So, while the cashews are working their magic, making the sauce creamy and delectable, they’re also giving you a protein boost.

Their creamy texture is unparalleled; it lends that velvety feel we often miss in dairy-free recipes. So, not only do you get a mouthful of comfort with every bite, but you also nourish your body with essential nutrients.

What’s the Deal with Nutritional Yeast?

The secret dairy-free weapon for that cheesy flavour? Nutritional yeast!

But what is it exactly? It’s a deactivated yeast, and it’s gluten-free. It’s a great source of B vitamins, essential for energy production and hormone balance.

Plus, it’s got some trace minerals and is an excellent protein source. Sprinkle this golden magic, and you’re adding a healthful flair to your meals.

You can find nutritional yeast from online retailers, in health food stores, or in the natural foods section at your local grocery store.

Spice Up Your Life

Now, let’s spice things up a bit, shall we? I’ve added garlic powder, paprika, turmeric, and nutmeg to this recipe for flavour, but these spices are more than just taste enhancers.

• Garlic Powder: Rich in antioxidants and has natural antibacterial properties.
• Paprika: Filled with Vitamin E, excellent for skin health and hormonal balance.
• Turmeric: An anti-inflammatory powerhouse, this spice helps soothe the gut and support liver health.
• Nutmeg: Contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that help keep your gut microbiome in check.

The Sneaky Veggie Mom Hack

As a mom of little ones, I’m all about sneaking veggies into meals wherever possible. This recipe is no exception! The sweet potatoes are the camouflage here, blending seamlessly into the creamy, cheesy texture while offering all their health benefits.

The picky eaters in your house, whether kids or adults, won’t even know they’re eating something good for them. It’s a mom-win, all the way!

Sweet Potato Mac'n'Cheese

This Sweet Potato Mac'n'Cheese gives you all the comfort & creaminess you'd expect but without hard to digest ingredients that flare skin.

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Servings: 6

Author: Katie Stewart

Equipment

• Blender

Ingredients

• 1 ⅓ cup raw cashews
• 2 cups water (fresh off the boil)
• 1 large sweet potato (peeled and cubed - about 2 cups)
• 1 onion (diced)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp turmeric
• ⅛ tsp nutmeg
• ¼ cup nutritional yeast
• 2 tsp dijon
• 2 tsp unrefined sea salt (more or less to desired preferance)
• 1 bag gluten-free elbow macaroni (see notes)

Instructions

• Soak the raw cashews in boiling water for 20 minutes. Drain and set aside.
• Steam or boil your sweet potato cubes until they’re tender. This usually takes about 15 minutes.
• In a skillet, sauté the onion and minced garlic until translucent.
• Add drained cashews, cooked sweet potatoes, sautéed onions, and garlic to the blender. Then toss in all your spices, nutritional yeast, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and sea salt.
• Blend until you get a smooth, creamy sauce. If it’s too thick, add a little water to reach your desired consistency.
• Cook your favourite gluten-free pasta according to the package instructions. Drain it and return it to the pot.
• Pour the sweet potato sauce over the pasta and mix well.
• Sprinkle with any desired toppings like fresh herbs and serve hot.

Notes

• I generally rotate between organic brown rice, quinoa or chickpea pasta. Feel free to mix up the pasta shape as well.
• If you have extra cheese sauce, store it in a glass mason jar in the fridge for 5 days or freezer for 3 months. When you go to reheat the sauce, add a little water to thin it down (if needed).