Baked Macaroni & Vegetable Delight

Today I made baked macaroni with vegetables. It is one of the most easiest recipes which can be served as a side dish as well as a main dish. Whenever I ask my son what does he want for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, without much delay the answer is the same every time ‘Macaroni or Pasta or Pizza’. I just don't understand the why kids are so fascinated with such kind of food.  In order to please him (well, I agree to bribe him seems more appropriate here) to study well for his upcoming term exams, I decided to make a different and healthier version of macaroni. This baked macaroni dish has all the delightful ingredients to make it one of your favorite: lots of veggies, herbs and the yummy cheesy white sauce. What I love most about it is that it is healthy as well as delicious at the same time. It is a perfect dish for kids lunch box as it is a complete meal in itself.

Ingredients:-

• 2 cups mixed frozen vegetables
• 2 cups milk 
• 1 cup boiled macaroni
• ½ cup cheddar cheese (grated)
• ½ cup water
• 4 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp all purpose flour
• 1 tsp black pepper pdr
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp dried basil
• salt to taste
• few coriander leaves (chopped)
• cheddar cheese for topping (grated)

Method:-

• Heat butter in a saucepan. 
• Add all purpose flour and saute for a minute. 
• Switch off the flame and add salt, pepper pdr, oregano, basil, milk and water.
• Mix well and keep on flame. Stir for a minute and add cheese.
• Cook till well mixed. The consistency of sauce should not be thick, it should be like a sauce.
• Switch off as soon as it starts to boil.
• Add frozen vegetables, macaroni, coriander leaves and mix well.
• Transfer the mixture to the baking dish. 
• Spread cheddar cheese on top.
• Pre-heat the oven for 180 degrees Celsius.
• Bake at 180 degrees Celsius for 20 minutes.

Notes:-

• You may add little tomato sauce to the macaroni if you like.
• You may use boiled vegetables instead of frozen ones (green peas, potatoes, cauliflower, carrot, broad beans, corn etc)
• For the non-veg version, marinate chicken 2-3 chicken breast, with salt, pepper pdr, mustard pdr / paste, wostershire sauce and vinegar. Pan fry in 2 tbsp oil for 10 - 12 minutes, You may either shred the chicken or cut into chunks as per your liking.. Add the chicken to the macaroni.

Happy Cooking!!

Sending this entry to :- Pari's Only Food For Pregnancy Event and Nayna's Lets Cook With- Cheese Event and Amrita's Friends Forever Event and Kids Delight "After School Bites" & Valli's Announcement Page and Whats with my Cuppa 2 & Nupur's Home Page and Cutchi Kitchen's Giveaway