Feline Musings

Having added a new microwave to our kitchen appliances on our anniversary, I have been experimenting with cooking using the microwave. One of the latest recipes that came out well was on December 31st and it was Spinach, Pea and Cheese Macaroni in White Sauce. Hubby found that it went delightful well with Red wine because of the softly melted cheese and garlicky flavor. Here’s the recipe for the same:

For the Macaroni or Pasta, boil 250 gms of the Macaroni in salted water with finely shredded spinach and fresh peas. You can also add sweet corn, chopped mushrooms, broccoli and shredded carrots to add to the veggie content. Drain and keep aside with a dash of olive oil poured in so that the pasta doesn’t stick together.

Ingredients for the White Sauce:

2 cups of warm milk
2 tablespoons of refined flour (maida)
2-3 finely shredded garlic cloves
1tablespoon of butter or margarine
Salt to taste
Oregano seasoning
Red chilly seasoning
2 cubes of Maggie vegetable stock (optional)

Method for the White Sauce:
1. In a microwave bowl, melt the better for 20-30 secs
2. Whisk in the refined flour and the shredded garlic and again microwave for 30 secs
3. Slowly pour in the milk and continue to whisk to maintain a non-lumpy consistency.
4. Add the Oregano seasoning, Red chilly seasoning and the crumbled Maggie vegetable stock cube.
5. Add salt to taste. If you are using Maggie vegetable stock cube then go slow on the salt as the cubes have a salty taste.
6. Continue to microwave and whisk alternatively for 30 seconds, three four times till you get a garlicy aroma, and a smooth paste.
7. Keep aside. You can add more milk and whisk if you don’t find the consistency as liquid as you want.

For the Pasta in White Sauce:
Place the pasta in a flat deep glass or microwave dish and evenly spread the White Sauce over the pasta. On top place a generous topping of shredded cheese. Put the dish into the microwave and allow cooking for 3-5 minutes, so that the cheese melts and evenly seeps into the pasta. This will also allow the White Sauce to bind itself to the pasta so that the taste is even. Serve hot (and if possible, with a wine of your choice.)

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