Easy-to-love mac 'n' cheese with veggies

Savoury and delicious, this classic mac 'n' cheese dish with a new spin – hidden veggies for a healthy kick – will have you and your entire family coming back for seconds!

[Photo credit: iStock.com/TheCrimsonMonkey]

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Serves: 5

• 50 g (1/4 c.) whole wheat panko (Japanese-style bread crumbs) or fresh whole wheat bread crumbs
• 5 ml (1 tsp.) olive oil
• 25 ml (2 tbsp.) cornstarch
• 6 ml (1 1/4 tsp.) mustard powder
• 0.5 ml (1/8 tsp.) ground red pepper (cayenne)
• 750 g (3 c.) cauliflower florets (2.5 cm or 1-in. pieces)
• 250 g (8 oz.) whole wheat macaroni
• 1.5 kg (6 c.) baby spinach, washed and dried
• 375 ml (1 1/2 c.) 1% milk
• 375 g (1 1/2 c.) shredded strong cheddar cheese
• 1 ml (1/4 tsp.) salt, or to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to boil.
2. In a small skillet, combine the panko and oil. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until golden and crisp, two to three minutes. Transfer to a small bowl and let cool.
3. In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch, mustard and cayenne.
4. Add the cauliflower and macaroni to boiling water and cook until tender, about seven minutes. The macaroni will continue to cook while you make the sauce. Add the spinach and stir to submerge. Drain immediately.
5. Return macaroni and vegetables to the pot. Add the cornstarch mixture and stir to coat. Stir in milk. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring, until the milk starts to bubble and thicken for about two to three minutes.
6. Remove from heat, add the cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Season with the salt and pepper.
7. Sprinkle each serving with 15 grams (one tbsp.) toasted bread crumbs. One serving is 250 grams (one cup).

Nutritional facts

• Each portion provides 2.1 servings of vegetables, 1.7 servings of whole grains and two grams of good fat.
• Concerning nutrients, each serving has about 367 calories; 18 g protein; 46 g carbohydrates; 6 g fibre; 14 g total fat; 8 g saturated fat, 34 mg cholesterol and 429 mg sodium.

This homemade mac 'n' cheese will satisfy your taste buds and comfort you on cold, rainy days – so curl up and enjoy.