vegan Lemon Poblano Mac and Cheese – a bright and tangy flavor twist on a classic mac and cheese, served up in a perfectly spicy poblano pepper, side of lemon.
recipe originally published April 19, 2013
Lemon Poblano Mac and Cheese
Crazy roller coaster week, right? From Boston and Texas and MIT to a couple more ambulance rides to the Emergency Room for Dad*, life has me wanting comfort – a relaxing afternoon with two dachshunds, a night out with Jason, a day off from everything, and comfort food.
*Dad is okay.
I say roller coaster because this week has not been all bad – there have been ups with the downs.
From the devastating tragedy we have been shown incredible strength and that unbreakable spirit of community – people helping and giving without question, simply as a reaction because it is their nature.
Inspiring.
I have had many smiles – very lucky to have the friends and family that I do, and I have been given constant and unwavering support. Lucky girl.
I have had some great conversations! Invigorating conversations with difference of opinion, all respected even when countered. I love good conversation.
Invigorating!
Classic Comfort Food
Back to the comfort food.
I love lemon. Lemon in dessert, lemon in savory entrees – it’s all good. I already had the plan to make this poblano mac and cheese, and at the last literal minute I decided to include lemon.
This is a new thing I will be doing more often.
That tart lemon flavor I love blends surprisingly well with mildly spicy grilled poblano and creamy cheesy sauce. Adds some light brightness to a dish that is traditionally rich.
This Lemon Poblano Mac and Cheese is a vegan version of the most traditional mac and cheese – making a roux with butter and flour, then adding cheese and noodles. I learned how to make mac and cheese this way at an early age, and again this method was emphasized in culinary school.
more Vegan Lemon Recipes:
Salted Papaya Ribbons with Lemon and Mint
Gluten Free Lemon Poppyseed Waffles
Lemony Brussels and Kale Chiffonade Salad
Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake Cookies
Vegan Comfort Food Recipes:
Vegan Buffalo Jackfruit Enchiladas
Bourbon Roasted Delicata Comfort Bowls
Hearty Portobello Kale Lasagna
Favorite comfort food?
Spell-check wanted to change poblano to Point Blank. Keanu on a surfboard, anyone? Gary Busey, maybe?
Lemon Poblano Mac and Cheese
a bright and tangy flavor twist on a classic mac and cheese, served up in a perfectly spicy poblano pepper, side of lemon.
Ingredients
- 4 ounces gluten free elbow pasta
- 1-2 poblano peppers, seeded
- 1 tablespoon vegan butter
- 1 tablespoon gluten free all purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cashew milk
- 5 ounces cheddar (dairy, soy free), cubed
- juice and zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Grill or roast poblano peppers. When cooled, chop into small bite size pieces.
- Cook pasta according to directions.
- Meanwhile, in saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour to a smooth roux, reduce heat to low. Add milk, whisking constantly to a white sauce. Add cubes of cheese, stir as cheese melts into a sauce.
- Add lemon juice and zest, roasted pepper and cooked pasta, combine completely.
- Serve with lemon wedges.
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about Kristina:
Kristina is spabettie! She discovered a love of cooking at an early age, and founded spabettie in 2010 to share vegan recipes. As the sole recipe developer and photographer, Kristina turned her culinary training into sharing flavorful and vibrant vegan food! She loves dachshunds, karaoke, drums, and travel.
spabettie / Kristina Sloggett is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
Julie | Small Green Kitchen says
I love poblano peppers. Great idea to stuff them with mac and cheese!
allie @ Through Her Looking Glass says
Glad your dad is ok Kristina. What an unusual and creative dish this is, looks so flavorful and delicious. AND HEALTHY! Love the lemon twist.
jobo says
First, SO glad your dad is okay, and I am sorry for the roller coaster week :-/ that, combined with the bombings and everything else last week, must have been intense. ((hug))
Lemon? MY FAVORITE! lemon and mac and cheese? DROOL!!!
Kiersten @ Oh My Veggies says
I have a poblano mac & cheese on my blog too, but no lemon–I will need to try that! I could eat lemon in just about everything too.
I’m glad your dad is okay. I hope this week is all highs for you, no lows!
Shirley @ gfe & All Gluten-Free Desserts says
That looks amazing! True … not everything this week has been bad for sure. I just wish bad things didn’t have to happen for us to come together and/or have serious discussions. So glad your dad is okay!
xo,
Shirley
Heather @ Better With Veggies says
Rollercoaster weeks are stressful, but I’m glad it at least included good food. My favorite comfort food is nachos (at least at the moment that’s what comes to mind). Piled high with lots of toppings!
Kate | Food Babbles says
It sounds like a pretty good week and I’m glad that your father is alright 🙂 This recipe is simply lovely and so very very creative! I love mac and cheese and I can’t say I’ve ever seen one quite like this. I must try it!
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets says
I’m glad to hear your dad is ok, and I see you are taking care of yourself in style with this wonderful comfort food. This Mac and cheese looks so amazing stuffed inside the poblano pepper and drizzled with lemon. This is a must try for sure. Your creativity astounds me.
Jeanette says
Hope you have a chance to relax a little bit. Glad to hear your dad is doing ok – love this comfort meal you made.
Roz@weightingfor50 says
Hi Kris, SOOOOOO happy to see the words “Dad is ok”!!!!!!
Liz (Little Bitty Bakes) says
Glad to hear your dad is OK!
I never would think to add lemon to mac n cheese. More reasons that you are awesome. 🙂
Hannah says
I agree with your thoughts on this week, but I mostly want to tell you that stuffing a pepper with mac and cheese is AH-mazing. And it’s blowing my mind.
Helene D'souza says
Oh so your dad is ok. for sure a crazy time and a freaky world…
I am all lemony too these days, we need some fresh dishes and yours is perfect for the season. What I like the most in your recipe is the inclusion of coconut milk. Must be heaven on earth all together.
Jess says
Three thoughts:
1 — SO SO glad your dad is ok, big sigh. big hugs.
2 – I am legit thisclose to hopping a flight so you can make this and ALL the other ridiculous recipes you share here with me. I’ll move in, you can cook for me all day, I’ll letcha 😉
3 – the beauty of the support and unbreakable spirit of our community here in Boston and the running community at large is nothing short of stunning, isn’t it?
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
You are so right about the rollercoaster. This week has been just unbelievable. Perfect timimg for a little mac ‘n cheese comfort food!!
Glad your dad is ok. xo
Heather (Where's the Beach) says
Um, love this idea. Love stuffing poblano peppers as it is and Jason loves mac n’ cheese. Talk about comfort food to the max. I’m glad you’ve had some ups at least and I am so glad your dad is ok. Thinking about you guys often. Hugs
Paula @ Vintage Kitchen says
A touch of lemon is good on so many dishes, especially pasta. This is an amazing recipe Kristina! And I´m glad to hear your dad is ok.
Abby says
It has been a roller coaster week for sure, and I wish life would quit offering all these situations with so much “perspective” from twisted reality. However, like you said, the good always, always shines through.
Favorite comfort food? Hmm…oddly, I might say oatmeal with almond milk, nut butter and banana. It just makes me all warm and fuzzy. Also, anything with pasta or dairy-free cheese…pizza anyone?