Vegetable Macaroni and Cheese

Namaskara!

Or I should say “buon giorno” – hello in Italian… The very famous “Macaroni and Cheese” has it roots in Italy and considered to be a staple fav among the English. Read more on “Macaroni and Cheese” . Make this for an early supper or serve it for main course as part of a large 5 course meal.

Ingredients: 4 Servings

1. Macaroni – 2 Cups
2. Olive Oil – 1 Tbsp+1 Tsp
3. Butter – 1/2 Tbsp
4. Garlic – Crushed -  5-6 Cloves
5. Ginger – Crushed – 1/2″
6. Onions – Chopped Fine – 1 Medium
7. Red Bell Pepper – Chopped medium – 1/2
8. Yellow Bell Pepper – Chopped medium – 1/2
9. Green Capsicum – Chopped medium – 1/2
10. Baby Corn – Sliced diagonally medium – 2
11. Cherry Tomatoes – Sliced Lengthwise – 4-5
12. Black Pepper – Crushed – 1 Tsp
13. Basil Leaves – 2-3
14. Parmesan Cheese – Grated – 100 Gms or as required
15. Red Chilli Flakes – 1/2 tsp
16. Oregano – 3/4 Tsp

Method:

1. Cook the 2 Cups of macaroni with 3 Cups of water or as per the cooking instructions on the packet. The macaroni should be cooked Al Dente. (Just Done).
2. Drain the excess water and pour cold water on the macaroni in a colander. (big sieve). Keep aside.
3. Heat olive oil and butter in a pan. Add the onions and roast a bit.
4. Add the garlic and ginger. Saute for a minute.
5. Add all the chopped bell peppers, baby corn and saute on high flame.
6. Add the cherry tomatoes  and basil leaves and immediately add salt to taste; stir and add the macaroni. Turn off the heat.
7. Season with black pepper, oregano and red chilli flakes. Toss the macaroni gently.
8. Transfer the macaroni to a microwave dish.
9. Drop in the grated cheese on top.
10. Put the macaroni on microwave high for 2-3 minutes or till the cheese melts on top.

To serve:

1. Serve hot with a basil leaf on top with chilli sauce.

Culinary Secrets:

1. Add a tsp of olive oil while cooking/boiling the macaroni, so that the macaroni do not stick with each other and gives a nice glaze.
2. Add any vergetables of your choice like brocolli, corn nibblets, carrots etc with any sauce like tabasco or red chilli sauce.
3. You could use Cheddar cheese instead of Parmesan.
4. You could cover the pan with cheese on top to melt and do not have to microwave at all.

Enjoy the Italian dish. Until next time, Ciao!!!