Preparation

This recipe makes 8 servings as a main course and is great for leftovers.

We prepare this recipe in our microwave oven and on the stovetop. It can also be baked in a conventional oven at 350 degrees F. to give it a firm and semi-crisp top.

Wash, peel, and dice the onions and place in a large covered baking dish. Wash, peel, and thinly slice the carrots, and add to the onions in the baking dish.  Add the hot sauce, if desired, and mix well.  Cover the baking dish and cook until the onions begin to become semi-transparent (about 5 minutes in the microwave oven).

While the veggies are cooking, place the water in the pasta pot and heat to boiling.

Wash the eggplant and zucchini, remove the stem ends and any bad spots.  Cut into bite-sized pieces and add to the baking dish with the cooked onions and carrots.  Add the basil and oregano, and mix well.

If you are using fresh tomatoes, wash the tomatoes and remove the stem ends and any blemishes or bad spots. Cut into bite-sized pieces, and add to the onions when they are cooked.

If you are using canned diced tomatoes, just cook the eggplant and zucchini with the precooked onions and carrots, and heat until the veggies are tender.

When the pasta water boils, add the elbow macaroni and cook until the macaroni softens, but is still slightly chewy.

If you are using canned diced tomatoes, place them in a large pot on the stovetop and heat until they just begin to boil; then reduce the heat to simmer.

Add the cooked veggies and macaroni to the large pot on the stovetop, and continue to simmer, mixing occasionally.

Open the cans of beans and drain off the excess liquid, or use the pre-cooked beans you have previously cooked. Place the beans in the container of a high speed blender. Add the nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Cover and run the blender at high speed until the ingredients are creamy smooth. Use the blender tamper rod as necessary.

Combine the bean sauce with the veggies and pasta in the pot, mix well, and continue to simmer until the ingredients thicken and the flavors are blended together.

If you desire to bake the macaroni and un-cheese, place it in a baking dish, cover, and bake for about 10-15 minutes in the microwave oven or for 20-30 minutes in a conventional oven at 350 degrees F. for 20-30 minutes.

Serve with a large tossed salad and enjoy!