Healthy Veggie Mac & Cheese

Makes four to six servings

Ingredients

• 1½ cups uncooked pasta (can be macaroni, penne or spirals)

• 400g cauliflower (approximately half of a small cauliflower)

• 2 medium zucchinis, peeled

• 2 tablespoons butter (or your preferred oil)

• 2 tablespoons plain flour

• 1 medium onion, finely diced (or pureed)

• 1 cup milk, warmed

• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Cook pasta per package instructions.

2. Steam cauliflower and zucchini. When tender, puree the vegetables; add some water if needed.

3. Add butter to a pan, sauté onion for around two minutes. Add flour and stir for two minutes, then add warm milk gradually; stir and bring to a boil, then remove from heat.

4. By now, you should have a thick sauce. Add ¾ cup of cheese and stir.

5. Add in the pureed cauliflower and zucchini. Mix everything well, and then add cooked pasta.

6. Transfer to a baking dish, top with the remaining cheese, and bake for 20 minutes at 180 degrees Celsius (this will give it a crunchy top!)

“My kids get fruits and vegetables daily and know the importance of healthy eating to maintain a healthy body. But some days (Mondays to Fridays, and some Saturdays and Sundays!), I get tired of saying, ‘Finish your vegetables!’ I’m a big believer in getting my boys to eat well, and this is an easy, no-fuss, no-fight meal that they love.”