Cheezy Potatoes

The sauce for Cheezy Potatoes is similar to Vegan Mac and Cheese. First make the sauce, then arrange uncooked potatoes and optional vegetables in a casserole dish. Cover potatoes with sauce and bake.

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Cheeze Sauce

16 oz peeled potatoes (about 2 large) cut into 1" pieces
8 oz carrots (about 2 small) cut into 1" slices
1/4 cup diced onion (optional)
3 cups water - for cooking potatoes and carrots, save the cooking water to add to the blender

2  to 4 Tablespoons pine nuts, lightly toasted or 1/4 cup cashews or oats

1/4 cup nutritional yeast

1 Tablespoon lemon juice

1 Tablespoon tahini (optional)
1 Tablespoon miso paste (optional)
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon turmeric 
salt and pepper to taste (start with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Boil potatoes, carrots and onion in water in a saucepan on top of the stove for about 10 minutes until the potatoes are tender. While the potatoes, carrots and onions are cooking, place the other sauce ingredients in a blender. Add the cooked potatoes, carrots and onion to the blender along with the cooking liquid. Cover the blender loosely (since the liquid is hot). Blend until sauce is smooth.

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Potatoes: One 30 oz. package of frozen shredded potatoes or 6 to 8 small to medium Russet potatoes sliced thinly or shredded with a food processor. Note: To prevent freshly cut potatoes from turning grey, cover the cut potato pieces with cold water in a bowl until ready to use. Drain. (Frozen hash browns stay white and don't need to be soaked. If they are stuck together in a large clump, thaw them slightly.)

Optional Vegetables: About 3 cups small broccoli florets. Other options include 1/2 cup chopped onion, 1/2 cup chopped mushrooms, 1 cup chopped bell pepper.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the shredded or sliced potatoes in a large casserole dish, add vegetables (if desired), pour on the cheese sauce.  If using shredded potatoes, gently stir the cheese sauce, potatoes and vegetables together. If using sliced potatoes, layer the sauce and potatoes. Bake, covered for 45 minutes. Remove cover and bake another 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender.

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Rice Variation

Eazy Cheezy Rice and Broccoli: In a large casserole dish mix together about 4 cups of cooked rice, 3 cups of steamed broccoli florets and one batch of Cheeze Sauce. Ready to serve, does not need to be baked.