Every once in a while you just need some comfort food. The good news is, it doesn't have to be all or nothing. You can allow yourself to indulge in your favourite foods now and then without completely giving up on your health or beating yourself up the next day.
I wanted to share one of my personal favourite comfort foods.....with a healthy twist. My family loves this and I don't feel guilty making it for them. It comes courtesy of Kerri Cooper at Roots Kitchen.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1.5 cups whole wheat elbow noodles (or gluten free option).
- 1 1/2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup minced onion or shallots
- 1/4 cup flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup organic, low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups sharp cheddar
- 1.5 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp grated parmesan
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs or panko crumbs
- sea salt and pepper
- tbsp fresh parsley (or any herb of choice!)
DIRECTIONS:
- Cook pasta and broccoli together in a large pot of salted water, according to package directions (for al dente or slightly under cook 2 minutes less). Spread thin layer of butter in a baking dish.
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- In a large, heavy skillet, melt butter. Add onion and cook over low heat about 2 minutes, add flour and cook another minute, or until the flour is golden and well combined. Add milk and chicken broth and whisk, raising heat to medium-high until it comes to a boil; cook about 5 minutes or until the sauce becomes smooth and thick. Season with salt and pepper and parsley.
- Once the sauce is thick, remove from heat, add cheese and mix well until cheese is melted. Adjust salt and pepper to taste, add cooked macaroni and broccoli and mix well. Pour into prepared baking dish. Top with grated cheese and breadcrumbs. Put a few pats of butter on top.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, then broil for a few minutes to get the breadcrumbs golden.
Interested in other easy recipes that support health & wellness? You can find some of my favourites HERE
You can also read more about My Journey Into Wellness
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