Vegan maple mac and cheese

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/Gas Mark 4. Cook the macaroni according to the packet instructions in a large pan of salted boiling water.
2. Peel and halve the onion, then place in a small pan over a medium heat with the milk. Slowly bring to the boil, then remove from the heat. Set aside.
3. Melt the margarine over a medium heat, then add the flour, stirring continuously until it forms a roux. Add the warm milk a little at a time, whisking until smooth. Bring to the boil, then simmer for around 10 minutes.
4. Stir in the mustard, pure maple syrup and nutritional yeast flakes, grate and stir in the vegan cheese.
5. Drain and add the macaroni to the sauce, then toss to coat. Transfer the mixture to an ovenproof baking dish (roughly 20x30cm), then set aside.
6. Peel and finely slice the garlic, then pick the thyme leaves, discarding the stalks. Add to a medium pan over a medium heat with a splash of oil. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until golden, then transfer to a food processor with the breadcrumbs and a splash of oil.
7. Blitz until combined and roughly chopped, then sprinkle over the pasta. Place the dish in the hot oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Leave to stand for 5 minutes, then serve.