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Mac and Cheese with Cauliflower and Broccoli
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Mac and Cheese with Cauliflower and Broccoli

Pure comfort food with a healthy addition of broccoli and cauliflower. A regular Mac N Cheese was never really my cup of tea until we started adding some veggies to it too. This one with added broccoli and cauliflower is the one we like best.
Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Total Time35 mins
Course: Dinner
Servings: 2
Calories: 793kcal

Ingredients

For the pasta

  • 1-1.5 cup whole wheat elbow pasta (GF if needed)
  • 1.5 cup broccoli cut into small florets
  • 3 cups cauliflower cut into small florets
  • 1/4 cup fresh chives chopped
  • 3/4 cup grated mozzarella cheese

For bechamel sauce:

  • 2-3 tablespoons unsalted butter/ghee
  • 3 tablespoons flour of your choice (GF if needed)
  • 1.5 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated emmentale or cheddar
  • 1/2 lime/lemon juice only (use less if using lemon)
  • sea salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste
  • ground nutmeg to taste

Instructions

  • In a large pot, cook pasta in lightly salted water according to the instructions on the package. The last 4 minutes, add broccoli and cauliflower florets too.
  • In same pot, make bechamel sauce. Melt butter (or ghee) in small saucepan or skillet. Add flour and whisk until lightly browned. Gently add milk while stirring constantly. Then add the cheese, keep stirring until thickened. Add black pepper, salt, nutmeg, and a squeeze of lime or lemon to finish.
  • Preheat oven to 400°F or 200°C.
  • When ready add drained pasta, veggie mix and chives to the becahmel sauce. Mix well.
  • Add to oven dish and top with mozzarella cheese. You could use a bit less cheese and add panko or breadcrumbs instead.
  • Cook for 10 to 15 min. If not nicely browned grill for last few minutes.