Macaroni Cheese with Courgettes and Bacon

I like this made with penne, but wholewheat macaroni makes a good alternative.

The courgettes can be replaced with leeks, broad beans or broccoli sprigs and, for a vegetarian, in addition to these the bacon can be replaced by mushrooms.

Serves 1

Macaroni Cheese with Courgettes and Bacon

Ingredients
2-3 oz (50-75 g) macaroni
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 oz (110 g) courgettes, sliced with their skins on (not too thinly)
2 oz (50 g) bacon, chopped
salt
For the sauce:
½ oz (10 g) butter
½ oz (10 g) flour
5 fl oz (150 ml) milk
1½ oz (40 g) grated Cheddar cheese
freshly grated nutmeg
1 fl oz (25 ml) double cream
salt and freshly milled black pepper
1 level tablespoon Parmesan cheese
1 level tablespoon breadcrumbs
a pinch of cayenne
1 tomato, sliced
Equipment
You will also need a 6 inch (15 cm) shallow gratin dish.

Method

Start off by bringing a panful of water to the boil, then add the macaroni together with some salt and a few drops of oil. Bring back to the boil then cook for 10 minutes. While that's happening, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a frying-pan and, over a medium heat, cook the courgettes and chopped bacon in it to soften and colour the courgettes.

At the same time, in a separate pan melt the butter for the sauce and stir in the flour, then add the milk bit by bit, stirring until you have a smooth sauce. Now leave it to cook gently for 4-5 minutes, then stir in the grated cheese, a seasoning of salt, pepper and freshly grated nutmeg, and finally the cream.

When the macaroni is ready, drain it in a colander, then return it to the hot saucepan, along with the courgettes and bacon. Pour in the sauce then stir to amalgamate everything well over a gentle heat, until it's all reheated.

Then transfer the pasta mixture to the gratin dish, mix the Parmesan and breadcrumbs together, then sprinkle this all over the top.

Sprinkle a pinch or so of cayenne over this, then arrange slices of tomato over the top.

Place the dish under the grill for a few minutes, until the top is nicely browned.

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