Vegan Mac 'n Cheese

This recipe is by Michelle at Healthier Steps. For directions and to check out Healthier Steps other recipes, click the link.

Ingredients: 

• 8-ounce box pasta
• 1 cup raw cashews, soaked for a couple hours
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tablespoons coconut milk, (full-fat from the can)
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast flakes
• 1/2 medium red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 tablespoons onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon salt, or more to taste
• Pinch cayenne pepper
• parsley flakes, for garnish
• paprika, for garnish

Optional Ingredients

• 1 cup shredded vegan cheese
• 1 tablespoon vegan mayo
• 1 teaspoon vegan butter, or vegan cream cheese