“Mac and Cheese” with Edamame


Make meals with ease, using Crystal margarine! We love food that makes us feel good, and this “Mac and Cheese” is no different. Using a healthy portion of edamame beans, which are high in protein and fibre, we brought a fresh and healthy crunch to this comfort food classic. Enjoy it tonight, and get a boost of omega-3 fatty acids with Crystal while you’re at it.
Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 42 g + 56 g / 3 tbsp + 1/4 cup Crystal margarine
  • 70 g / 1 cup panko bread crumbs
  • 20 g / 2 tbsp sesame seeds
  • 6 g + 3 g / 1 tsp + 1/2 tsp salt
  • 280 g / 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 313 g / 2 cups frozen shelled edamame
  • 720 ml / 3 cups milk
  • 31 g / 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 26 g / 1/3 cup nutritional yeast
  • 30 ml / 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 10 ml / 2 tsp rice wine vinegar
  • 2 g / 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 2 g / 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1 g / 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 113 g / 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 15 cup (3.5 litre) casserole dish with Crystal margarine.
  2. In a medium bowl, melt 3 tablespoons (42 grams) of Crystal margarine in the microwave; about 20 seconds. Stir in the panko crumbs and sesame seeds. Set aside.

  3. Heat milk, until steaming, in the microwave; about 2 minutes.
  4. Melt 1/4 cup (56 grams) of Crystal margarine in a medium pot over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes.

  5. Whisk in the hot milk and cook, stirring, until mixture thickens; about 6 to 7 minutes.

  6. Boil a large pot of water. Stir in 1 teaspoon (6 grams) of salt and the macaroni. Cook for 5 minutes, then stir in the edamame. Cook 3 minutes, drain and set aside.

  7. Whisk in the nutritional yeast, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, pepper, paprika, garlic powder and remaining 1/2 teaspoon (3 grams) of salt. Cook 2 minutes.

  8. Remove sauce from heat and stir in the cheese until smooth.

  9. Stir the macaroni and edamame into the sauce and transfer to the prepared dish.
  10. Sprinkle the panko crumbs over top and place in oven. Bake until crumbs are golden and filling is bubbling; 25 to 30 minutes.

  11. Allow to rest 10 minutes before serving.

Chef’s Notes

  • Try other flavours of cheese, such as pepper jack or mozzarella.
  • For a faster version of this recipe, mix the cooked macaroni and edamame into the sauce and serve immediately in bowls.