This simple and comforting casserole will remind you of macaroni and cheese. There’s no cheese here, just a delectable combo of smooth butternut squash, nutritional yeast, and silken tofu.
½cupfine bread crumbs or ¼ cup wheat germ for topping
2tablespoonsfinely chopped parsley for toppingoptional
Instructions
Cook the pasta according to package directions, then drain and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
Heat the oven to 400º F.
Heat half of the oil in a medium skillet. Add the onion cook until golden. Transfer to a food processor or blender, leaving about ½ cup’s worth aside for topping.
Meanwhile, cut the pre-baked squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and fibers and discard.
Scoop out the soft part of the squash and add to the food processor or blender along with the onions. Where the squash starts to become firmer, peel and cut into ½- to ¾-inch dice.
To the squash and onion mixture in the food processor or blender, add the nutritional yeast, tofu, nondairy milk and paprika. Process until completely smooth.
Combine the pureed mixture with the pasta in the mixing bowl and stir until thoroughly combined. Season with salt and pepper, then stir again.
Transfer the mixture to a large (about 9 by 12) lightly oiled casserole dish.
Top evenly with the bread crumbs or wheat germ, reserved onions, and squash dice. Sprinkle with a little more paprika.
Bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crusty. Sprinkle with a little parsley, if you'd like. Let stand for a few minutes, then serve.