This recipe and pic has been sent to me by Ree Khan from Pakistan. Shes a dear friend and a regular on my facebook page.
I make my macaroni cheese without any butter (please look for the fat free macaroni cheese recipe) and here is a different version so you can choose which one you would like to opt for. I also keep on getting questions from people who want to put on weight or add fat to their diet. So this is another option. Ree Khan has also added fresh coriander leaves to her recipe giving it a real distinctive touch.
Benefits of fresh coriander leaves:
Coriander Leaves act as stimulants and tonics. They strengthen the stomach and promote digestion by improving the discharge of urine. Coriander leaves, also known as cilantro, contain protein and fiber, and are rich in vitamin C and several minerals.
Now lets make this lovely pasta dish!! If you dont like coriander leaves or cant get it easily you can use parsely or dried oregano, mixed italian herbs or just omit it totally. The beauty of this recipe is each time you can use a diferent herb and create a different taste.
INGREDIENTS:
2 cups of boiled pasta of your choice, make sure you dont overboil the pasta…always boil it al dente
2 tablespoons of butter or olive oil
1 heaped tablespoon of white flour (maida)
1 cup of milk or more
2 cups of grated cheese of your choice
a pinch of salt and a good sprinkle of black pepper
2 tablespoons of chopped green coriander leaves
METHOD:
Melt/heat the butter/olive oil and stir in the flour and sautee for a half a minute stirring continuously so the flour doenst burn.
Remove from heat and stir in the milk carefully whisking so no lumps are formed. Mix till the mixture is well mixed and return to the heat. Cook till thickened adding half of the grated cheese and a bit of salt (as cheese is salty) and also the black pepper.
Add the green coriander leaves and the pasta. Mix well. If the mixture is too thick you can add some more milk. Put into an oven proof dish and sprinkle the rest of grated cheese on the top and bake in a hot oven till sizzling and cheese is melted and brown. You can also dot it with a bit of butter and some breadcrumbs to get a crunchy topping.
NITU DIDI OPTIONS: You can add parboiled vegetables to this such as peas, carrots, cauliflower, brocolli etc to give it a healthier touch
You can add canned mushrooms also to this to give it a mushroom taste
You can omit the butter and oil and just follow the recipe the way it is
You can omit the cheese and use fresh low fat cheese and also skimmed milk
You can add pieces of boiled shredded chicken, ham etc…. and make a chicken alfredo kind of recipe
If the sauce gets lumpy dont panic…just put it in the blender and blend it 🙂 There is a solution for “almost” everything !!