Broccoli, kale, macaroni and cheese

A twist on the mac and cheese recipe by Ntwenhle Gcabashe 

Prep time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 40 minutes Serves: 3–4

• 2 cups macaroni, cooked
• 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed
• 2 cups kale, chopped and steamed
• 1 cup cheese, grated
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 3 tablespoons (45ml) butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 2½ cups (750ml) milk
• 1 cup bacon, chopped and cooked
• Pepper, for seasoning
• 1 tomato, sliced
• Basil leaves, for serving
• Fresh thyme, for serving

1. Preheat oven to 180°C.
2. Heat butter and fry onion and garlic until fragrant.
3. Add paprika and flour, and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. Gradually add milk, whisking until smooth. Reduce heat and cook until sauce thickens.
5. Add broccoli, kale, macaroni, bacon and cheese. Season with pepper.
6. Transfer into oven dish. Arrange tomato slices on top, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake for 15–20 minutes or until golden.
7. Serve hot with basil leaves and fresh thyme.

SEE ALSO: Baked spinach recipe