Baked macaroni with Brussels sprouts and plant-based béchamel
Baked macaroni is a comforting classic in many homes, and this version with Brussels sprouts and plant-based béchamel is a wonderful way to enjoy a nourishing, creamy meal full of flavor. It's an ideal dish for the fall and winter months, when Brussels sprouts are at their seasonal best and bring freshness and a slightly sweet touch to the whole dish.
Nutritionally, this recipe stands out for its excellent supply of fiber, vitamins (especially vitamins C and K, thanks to the Brussels sprouts) and essential minerals. By using a homemade plant-based béchamel and a little vegan cheese or breadcrumbs for the topping, we get all the creaminess and traditional flavor without any animal ingredients, and it's much lighter to digest.
It's a perfect dish for gently and deliciously bringing Brussels sprouts onto the kids' menu. When they're cooked until tender and chopped small, they melt into the smooth béchamel and pasta, creating an irresistible bite the whole family will love.
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- Cook the sproutsAdd the fresh Brussels sprouts (washed and trimmed beforehand) straight to boiling water with a pinch of salt and cook them for about 8 to 10 minutes, until they're very tender. Drain them well, let them cool slightly and cut them into quarters or small pieces, perfect for little ones to eat easily.
- Cook the pastaBoil the macaroni in plenty of salted water following the package directions, but take it off the heat a minute early so it stays al dente, since it will finish cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside.
- Mix with the béchamelGently warm the plant-based béchamel. In a large bowl, mix the pasta with the chopped Brussels sprouts and the béchamel. Add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, adjust the salt if needed and stir well until the mixture is very creamy.
- Get the gratin readyPreheat the oven to 200 °C (400 °F). Transfer the pasta mixture to an ovenproof dish, sprinkle the vegan parmesan evenly over the top and finish with a final drizzle of olive oil to help it brown.
- Bake and serveBake for about 10 to 15 minutes, until the top is golden and crisp. Take it out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving and enjoy this delicious, comforting gratin.