Welcome to Nosh a Little

At Nosh a Little, we believe that food should be comforting and delicious without dairy. Whether you're lactose intolerant or just looking to explore new flavors, I've gathered five of my favorite dairy-free recipes that are sure to warm your heart and satisfy your cravings.

1. Creamy Dairy-Free Tomato Basil Soup

This tomato basil soup is rich and creamy without any dairy. Here’s how to make it:

• Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 onion (diced), 4 garlic cloves (minced), 2 cans (15 oz each) crushed tomatoes, 2 cups vegetable broth, 1 cup coconut milk, 1 cup fresh basil leaves, salt, and pepper to taste

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until translucent.
2. Add crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth, then bring to a boil.
3. Simmer for 20 minutes. Stir in coconut milk and fresh basil.
4. Blend until smooth and season with salt and pepper.

2. Savory Dairy-Free Mac and Cheese

This vegan mac and cheese is a hit! It’s rich, cheesy, and super easy to prepare.

• Ingredients: 8 oz elbow macaroni, 1 cup raw cashews (soaked for 2 hours), 1/2 cup nutritional yeast, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 2 cups vegetable broth, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt

1. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions and drain.
2. In a blender, combine soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, vegetable broth, garlic powder, and salt. Blend until smooth.
3. Toss the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and serve warm.

3. Sweet Dairy-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

Who doesn't love cookies? These dairy-free chocolate chip cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

• Ingredients: 1 cup coconut oil (melted), 1 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup maple syrup, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 2 cups flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 cup dairy-free chocolate chips

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix melted coconut oil, brown sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
3. Add flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix until combined, then fold in chocolate chips.
4. Drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.

4. Flavorful Dairy-Free Chicken Alfredo

This chicken Alfredo uses a dairy-free creamy sauce that’s just as satisfying as its traditional counterpart.

• Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast (sliced), 2 cups cauliflower florets, 1 cup almond milk, 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1/4 cup nutritional yeast, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper

1. Steam the cauliflower until tender. In a blender, combine cauliflower, almond milk, garlic, nutritional yeast, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Blend until creamy.
2. Cook the chicken slices in a skillet until golden brown.
3. Add the sauce to the pan and mix until the chicken is coated. Serve over your favorite pasta.

5. Healthy Dairy-Free Banana Bread

This banana bread is moist and delicious, perfect for breakfast or a snack.

• Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas (mashed), 1/3 cup coconut oil (melted), 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 tsp baking soda, 1/8 tsp salt, 1 1/2 cups flour

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
2. In a bowl, mix mashed bananas, coconut oil, brown sugar, and vanilla.
3. Stir in baking soda and salt, then add flour. Mix until just combined.
4. Pour into the loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes.

Conclusion

These five dairy-free recipes are not only comforting but also simple enough to make any night of the week. Each dish is crafted to bring warmth and joy into your kitchen, whether you're noshing alone or sharing with friends. Grab your ingredients and start cooking up some delicious memories right here at Nosh a Little!