Healthy mac and cheese? This green macaroni recipe is a guilt-free obsession

Fitness is a commitment to yourself. Therefore, you have to be extra cautious about your calorie and fat intake. As they say, abs are made in the kitchen. But, do you really need to sulk at the sight of people enjoying your favorite food? Food can be a guilty pleasure but by making some tweaks and pinches to the non-healthy version, you can have a healthy diet for yourself. On that note, how about a healthy mac and cheese?

All the mac and cheese fans may rejoice! Because your favorite snack has got a fit update to make you even fitter. When we think of comfort food, this cheesy macaroni has a soft spot in our hearts. There is nothing like a perfect packed lunch option other than this. So without further ado, let’s wear our aprons and get cooking!

Healthy mac and cheese recipe

Ingredients:

1 cup whole wheat macaroni
1 cup spinach
4 crushed garlic cloves
1/2 cup green peas
2 twigs basil
6 almonds
6 pine nuts
1 cup milk
2 tbsp shredded mozzarella cheese
Oregano and chilli flakes
Oil to cook
Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

1. Heat a pan, Add 4 cups of water and a cup of whole wheat macaroni.
2. Add a pinch of salt and 1 tsp of cooking oil to the pan and let the macaroni cook.
3. After 15 minutes, remove the pan from heat and strain the macaroni.
4. Run the macaroni through cold water to avoid sticking.
5. Now, heat a frying pan. Add a tbsp of cooking oil.
6. Add crushed garlic cloves.
7. Toss in the nuts for a toasty flavor.
8. Let it sputter and add spinach, peas and basil leaves.
9. Add 2 pinch of salt to it and sprinkle pepper.
10. Remove the pan from heat and allow the mixture to cool.
11. Once at room temperature, grind the mix into a fine paste.
12. Heat a pan and heat a cup of milk.
13. To the warm milk add the green sauce.
14. Stirring occasionally, let the mixture thicken.
15. Add salt, pepper and allspice mix according to your taste.
16. You can also use any seasoning and herbs of your choice like rosemary or parsley too.
17. Add the macaroni to the sauce.
18. Top it up with mozzarella cheese.
19. Turn off the heat and mix the mac n cheese.
20. Sprinkle it with oregano and chilli flakes.

Serve it steaming hot! Share with your friends and family and flaunt your culinary talent. The green sauce in this mac and cheese is the hero ingredient for the winter season.

What makes this mac and cheese a healthy delight?

1. Spinach

Spinach is brimming with iron and minerals like calcium and magnesium. Eating this leafy green has immense health benefits such as improving your eyesight, preventing cancer, and keeping your blood sugar in control. To call this leafy green, a fountain of health won’t be an exaggeration.

3. Peas

Green peas are an excellent source of protein, vitamin C, E and zinc. Peas are known to help relieve inflammation, control diabetes and heart functioning. But do you know, peas can also aid weight loss? Since peas contain relatively low amounts of calories and are loaded with fiber and protein, they keep you feeling satiated for long.

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2. Almonds and pine nuts

These super nuts not only give the dish a creamy texture but are super sources of omega-3. They are excellent to add to your sauces and curries for a nutty flavour. Pine nuts, on the other hand, have a high amount of vitamin K, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus, and manganese. They also strengthen your bones and regulate cardiac function.

4. Cheese

Cheese may be associated with obesity but a little of it may help your body get some good sources of protein, calcium, and phosphorus. Excess of anything is harmful. But eating cheese can prevent chances of developing osteoporosis later in life. It can also lower high blood pressure and is an amazing source of Vitamin B12.

Indulge yourself in this creamy, cheesy and delicious pasta dish made with nothing but a healthy homemade sauce and love!