Vegan Pumpkin Mac and Cheese Bake

Name: Vegan Pumpkin Mac and Cheese Bake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 7 oz cooked pasta; 2 tsp olive oil; 1/4 cup finely chopped onion or shallots; 3 cloves of garlic; 1/4 cup sage (julienned, divided); red pepper flakes to taste; 3/4 cup pumpkin puree (or use butternut puree for variation); 1 3/4 cup non dairy milk (such as almond, soy or cashew milk for creamier sauce); 1 tbsp starch (such as corn or arrowroot, or use flour); 2 to 4 tbsp nutritional yeast (for cheesiness. ( Easily omitted, or use 1 tsp miso for similar flavor)); 1/2 tsp dried thyme; 3/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1 to 2 tsp mustard ((natural stoneground), less or more to preference, if using ground, use 1/2 tsp and add 1 tsp lemon juice); additional flavors (- dashes of cinnamon, smoked paprika, add tomato paste, some vegan cheddar); 1/3 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 tsp salt