Macaroni Cheese

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

  1.  Cook the whole-grain macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. 
  2. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the whole-wheat flour and whisk to form a roux.
  3. Gradually whisk in almond milk, ensuring there are no lumps.
  4. Simmer until the mixture thickens slightly.
  5. Stir in nutritional yeast (if using), cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese (if using), smoked paprika, mustard powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  6. Mix until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy.
  7. Mix the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
  8. In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs, ground flaxseeds, and olive oil.
  9. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
  10. Transfer the pasta and cheese mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top.
  11. 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

 

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