DAIRY FREE | BROC AND CHEESE | CULINARY NUTRITION | NOURISHING NELLI
Just in case you ever get the “I want Mac & Cheese, but know it has zero nutritional value and my body will hate me after eating it” vibe, I’ve got you covered!
Growing up, we never did have those boxes of odd shaped noodles and pre-made orange powdery stuff in the pantry, but I do remember a time or two when I was visiting friends or cousins and that they would pull the magical blue box out of the pantry and boom, a few minutes later you have some noodles covered in creamy cheesy stuff. I guess it was quick and easy, so why not?!
Well a few years and a bit of knowledge later I’ve created a version free from all the artificial fillers and man made ingredients.
BROC & CHEEZ!
Living a dairy-free lifestyle; for no other reason than my belly feels much better when eliminating it; I make my own cheeses using things like nuts, seeds and bean flours. Broc & Cheese is your dairy, gluten, and refined sugar free version of an American favorite! This plate is full of flavor! It contains a moderate amount of complex carbohydrates, fiber, veggies, healthy fats, and plant based protein – giving you a well balanced meal. I incorporate a little secret ingredient that you may have never heard of before, but should definitely give it a try because it’s loaded with nutrition!
NUTRITIONAL YEAST
This superfood is an inactive form of yeast that has a very distinct cheddar flavor to it. It’s very high in B-vitamins and protein. It’s gluten free and contains fiber to support your digestive system. Nutritional yeast is a great source of folic acid, which is important for women’s reproductive health. Folic acid has been show to prevent spinal bifida and other birth defects.
Nutritional Yeast looks like little yellow flakes and is usually sold in the bulk section of most markets.
Per 2 tbsp (16g) of nutritional yeast you have:
-
- 8g protein
- 5g carbohydrates
- 4g fiber
The cheez sauce is actually made from a dip that I usually make and have on hand for fresh veggies or to spread on toast. So, not only do you get an uber delicious cheeze sauce for your Broc & Cheez, you will have left over dip to store for snacking!
Click here for the Cheez Dip recipe that you’ll need for the cheez sauce in this dish.
This dish is great for when you have a large family or are hosting a dinner gathering. It’s quick and quite the crowd pleaser! I like to serve this dish along side a piece of fresh fish.
I hope you give it a try; show off your creation on Instagram or Facebook by tagging #NourishingNelli
-Nelli

- 1 cup white onion
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 cup red bell pepper diced
- 1/2 cup celery diced
- 1 cup cooked red & white quinoa
- 3 cups lightly steamed broccoli
- 3 tbsp banana peppers
- 4 tbsp Cheez Dip
- 1/3 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp dijon mustard
- 1/3 cup light coconut milk
- dash of red pepper flakes
- dash of sea salt
- paprika, garlic, chili powder
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Sautee the vegetables in 1 tbsp olive oil.
Add the Cheeze dip and liquid ingredients
Reduce heat and cover for 2-3 minutes.
Top with your favorite fresh fish, chicken or turkey.