This healthy Mac 'n Cheese recipe is a game changer

This healthy Mac ‘n Cheese recipe is a game changer

and oh-so delicious!

By Jess Arrowsmith • 3 years ago • FOODIE FEATURE

It’s the guilty pleasure, comfort food on everybody’s favourite meal list. But when it comes to being healthy and making wholesome food choices, Mac ‘n Cheese typically ends up on the ‘naughty’ list and sadly booted to the curb.

Thankfully, we’ve sourced a healthy version that tastes just as delicious – so much so, you wouldn’t know it’s packed with nutritious alternatives.

So, calling all Mac ‘n Cheese fans: this zucchini and cauliflower version is for you.

Mac ‘n cheese with zucchini and cauliflower

Gluten-free, Egg-free, Nut-free and Vegetarian Friendly

SERVES 4 | PREP 30 | COOK 30

Ingredients

2 cups (200g) brown rice penne
2 cup (100g) cauliflower florets
1 cup (180g) zucchini, peeled and shredded
1-2 tbs coconut oil
¾ cup (180ml) milk of choice
1 tbs tapioca flour
1 ½ cups (120g) cheddar cheese, shredded
1 tbs chia seeds
Sea salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp paprika powder

Instructions

Preheat oven to 180 degrees celsius.
Cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Place cauliflower in a food processor and process until it reaches a rice-like consistency.
Heat oil in a large frying pan and saute cauliflower and zucchini for about 5 mins.
In a saucepan, warm ½ cup of milk.
In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining milk and the flour until there are no lumps. Then whisk in this mixture into the warm milk. Continue whisking gently until the milk thickens to the consistency of heavy cream.
Mix cheese, chia seeds, sauteed cauliflower and zucchini into the milk-flour mixture and season with salt and pepper. For a smoother consistency you can process using a hand held blender.
Place the pasta in a casserole dish and pour the cheese and veggie sauce over it. Sprinkle with paprika powder and grated cheese (optional) and bake in the oven for 30 mins until the top is golden.