Tomato and Onion Macaroni Cheese
Macaroni cheese is easy to make and is a guaranteed hit with most pasta lovers. But how about trying this simple twist to bump up the vitamin and anti-oxidant lycopene content, as well as adding extra flavour? Carotino Healthier Cooking Oil naturally contains the nutrient lycopene, which is also found in tomatoes and other red or pink fruits and vegetables?
Ingredients
225g dried macaroni
175g grated cheddar cheese
100g grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons Carotino Healthier Cooking Oil
2 garlic cloves, crushed
400g can of chopped tomatoes
1 tablespoon chopped, fresh basil
1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
1-2 shallots or a medium onion, finely chopped
4 tablespoons of fresh breadcrumbs for the topping
Salt and pepper to season
Method
Heat a tablespoon of Carotino Healthier Cooking Oil in a frying pan. Add the garlic and shallots/ onion and fry for a couple of minutes before adding the tomatoes, most of the chopped basil and salt and pepper to taste. Cook over a medium heat and stir constantly for 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, boil a large pan of water (add salt if preferred) and cook the macaroni according to the pack instructions until tender, but still slightly firm or ‘al dente’. (Approx. 10 minutes.) Drain well and put on one side.
Mix the grated cheddar and parmesan cheeses in bowl and grease an ovenproof dish with a little Carotino Oil. Spoon a third of the tomato sauce into the base of the dish, then cover with a third of the macaroni, then top with a third of the mixed cheeses. Season with salt and pepper then repeat the layering until all the ingredients are used up, ending with a final layer of grated cheese.
Mix the breadcrumbs with the leftover basil and sprinkle evenly over the top. Brush a little Carotino Oil over the top with a pastry brush and then cook in a pre-heated oven (190ºC/Gas Mark 5) for around 25 minutes until the topping is golden brown and bubbling. Serve immediately.
Serves 4.