
Macaroni Cheese
This Gut-Friendly Macaroni Cheese is a nutritious twist on the classic comfort food, designed to support digestion, reduce tummy fat, and taste amazing.

Macaroni Cheese
(Serves 4)
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
• 200g whole-grain macaroni
• 1 tsp olive oil (optional, to prevent sticking)
For the Sauce:
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp plain whole-wheat flour
• 2 cups (480ml) unsweetened almond milk
• 1/4 cup (30g) nutritional yeast (optional, for a cheesy flavor and B vitamins)
• 1 cup (100g) reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp mustard powder (optional, enhances flavor and digestion)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
• 1/4 cup (25g) whole-grain breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp ground flaxseeds
• 1 tbsp olive oil
Method
- Cook the whole-grain macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the whole-wheat flour and whisk to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in almond milk, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Simmer until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Stir in nutritional yeast (if using), cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese (if using), smoked paprika, mustard powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Mix the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
- In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs, ground flaxseeds, and olive oil.
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Transfer the pasta and cheese mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the topping is golden and crispy.
Benefits
For Tummy Fat Reduction:
1. High Fibre: Whole-grain pasta and flaxseeds help stabilize blood sugar and promote satiety, reducing fat storage.
2. Healthy Fats: Olive oil and reduced-fat cheese provide essential fats without excess calories.
3. Low-Glycemic Ingredients: Almond milk and whole-wheat flour maintain stable energy levels.
For Gut Health:
1. Prebiotic Ingredients: Garlic powder and flaxseeds feed good gut bacteria for a healthy microbiome.
2. Fibre-Rich Ingredients: Whole-grain pasta, flaxseeds, and breadcrumbs support digestion and regularity.
3. Optional Nutritional Yeast: Adds B vitamins that can help boost energy and support gut health.
Nutritional value (Per Serving)
Calories: 414.1 kcal
Protein: 15.2 g
Carbohydrates: 38.0 g
Fat: 21.3 g
Fibre: 4.1 g