mealSlow Cooker
Mac & Cheese
Vegetable-boosted cube mac and cheese that freezes and reheats well. Undercook the pasta slightly, bake just until set, then reheat with a splash of milk for a creamy finish.Prep20 MIN
Cook40 MIN
Yield6 CUBES
Ingredients
fresh macaroni220 g
cauliflower120 g
carrot80 g
zucchini60 g
brown onion60 g
garlic1 clove
butter25 g
plain flour25 g
full-fat milk420 ml
tasty cheddar, grated120 g
Dijon or wholegrain mustard5 g
salt (adjust to taste)4 g
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Batch Specs
Makes 6 × 1/2 cup cubes.
Freezer life: 3 months.
Reheat time: 4-6 mins.
Instructions
01
Cook the veg: Steam the cauliflower and carrot until very soft, about 10 minutes. In a small pan sauté the onion and garlic in a little oil until soft and translucent. Add the zucchini and cook for a further 3 to 4 minutes.
02
2. Blend: Blend all the vegetables together with about 50 ml of the milk until completely smooth.
03
3. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil. Fresh pasta cooks quickly, so boil for only 1 to 2 minutes less than al dente (usually around 2 to 3 minutes total depending on thickness). It should still have noticeable firmness in the centre. Drain immediately.
04
4. Make the sauce: In a saucepan melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the remaining milk. Cook, stirring, until slightly thickened.
05
5. Season the sauce: Stir in the vegetable purée. Add the grated cheese, mustard, salt and pepper. The sauce should look slightly looser than standard mac and cheese, as it will thicken further during baking and reheating.
06
6. Combine: Fold the pasta through the sauce thoroughly. The mixture should be creamy but not soupy.
07
7. Fill and bake: Place your Souper Cubes tray on a metal baking sheet. Fill each cavity to just under the 1/2 cup line and tap gently to remove air pockets. Bake at 180°C (fan 170°C) for 18 to 20 minutes, just until set. Do not heavily brown.
08
8. Cool and freeze: Allow to cool completely at room temperature. Freeze in the tray until solid, then remove and store in a labelled freezer bag for up to 3 months.
09
9. Reheat: Place one frozen cube on a plate, sprinkle 15 ml milk over the top, cover loosely and microwave for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Reheating Guide (per cube)
Microwave4-5 MINS
Stovetop6-8 MINS
Oven15 MINS
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