Spring Maccheroni – light and refreshing

Maccheroni, the type might be familiar from the insane comfort food – Mac and Cheese! Well, even though both are tubular, Macaroni and Maccheroni are slightly different. Macaroni is the elbow-shaped, and much more popular variant of the latter. Maccheroni looks like cut up bucatini but with bigger holes. Or a rigatoni with smaller holes, whichever you favour more.

Since the texture of this pasta matches both that of spaghetti/bucatini and rigatoni, you can team it with both rich and light sauce. This time around, I made a spring perfect version with loads of colourful veggies. Maybe, a cheesy, saucy one next time!

Ingredients

  • Maccheroni pasta – 1 cup (I used Barilla)
  • Broccoli – 100g
  • Yellow Bell pepper – 100g
  • Onion – 1, medium
  • Garlic – 2 medium-sized cloves
  • Olive oil – 1 tbsp
  • Balsamic vinegar – 2 tbsp
  • Lemon juice – to garnish on top
  • Salt – to taste
  • Cheddar cheese – 1 tbsp, finely grated
  • Oregano seasoning – to garnish

Method

  • In a large pot of boiling water, add the pasta and 1 tablespoon salt and cook for about 7-8 minutes. Or until done. Drain the pasta and reserve 1 cup pasta water.
  • Meanwhile, wash the vegetables well. Cut the broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces and chop the bell pepper to small pieces, approximately 1 cm. Transfer them both to a microwave-safe bowl and cook on high for 2 minutes. This ensures the vegetables are steamed. I always like to cook them slightly before adding them to the pan.
  • Peel and finely chop the onion and garlic.
  • Heat olive oil in a pan, add the garlic and onion, cook until the onion is translucent.
  • Add the vegetables and cook on medium heat for 5 minutes.
  • Add the pasta and mix together. Season with salt and balsamic vinegar, and reserved pasta water and mix.
  • Cook for 3-4 minutes until the pasta comes together.
  • Garnish with oregano seasoning and finely grated cheddar cheese.
  • Squeeze some lemon juice just before you dig in for a refreshing zing!

Lots of new recipes coming, since Corona is keeping us all at home!

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