After starting this blog, my motivation on trying new recipe every weekend is stronger. I promise myself to try 1-2 new recipes per week. That way, I can avoid the overwhelm while still adding new dishes and flavours to my meal plan.
While I was trying to organize my recipe binder, I found this recipe – Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese. I hear so many good things about butternut squash – butternut squash soup, roasted butternut squash, curried butternut squash, etc. However, I never ever had butternut squash before (no kidding). I think this is because it isn’t available in Malaysia, and I don’t think my mom know how to cook it. So, I decided to give it a try
Since the butternut squash has been sitting in my fridge for about a week, it is time to cook it up. I have been trying few Mac and Cheese recipes (Tuna Mac and Cheese), but this recipe makes the most creamy, flavourful mac and cheese ever. I used mozzarella cheese as I would like to make this as a kid friendly recipe (reduce sodium content).
Enjoy !!
Recipe adapted from Two Peas and Their Pod.Â
Butternut Squash Mac And Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 small butternut squash, peeled, seeded and chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1.5 cups milk
- 2 tbsp non-hydrogenated margarine
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- bread crumbs (1-2 slices whole grain bread)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400F. Place butternut squash chunks on a large baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil over the squash and toss. Roast for 25 minutes or until tender. Turning once.
- While the butternut squash is roasting, cook macaroni according to package directions, drain well. Set aside.
- Add butternut squash to food processor or blender and puree until smooth. Add 1/2 cup of the milk and puree again. This will help thin out the butternut squash.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the non-hydrogenated margarine. When the margarine is melted whisk in the flour. Add the nutmeg. Cook for 2-3 minutes, whisking constantly, or until flour mixture smells nutty. Add the remaining 2 cups of milk and whisk until mixture is smooth. Turn heat to high and bring to a boil while continuing to whisk. After sauce has thickened, turn heat to low and whisk in butternut squash mixture. Add the cooked macaroni to the pan and stir until the macaroni noodles are well coated. Season with salt and pepper, to taste (optional).
- Grease a 2 quart casserole dish. Pour half of the macaroni noodles into the pan. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the macaroni noodles. Add the remaining noodles and then top with the rest of the cheese. Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top.
- Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until macaroni and cheese is bubbling. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 min.
- Serve warm with a garden salad.
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