Sneaky Mom Veggie Rice “Mac & Cheese”
One of my daughter’s favorite childhood dishes that she requests all the time for me to make.
It’s full of veggies with a delicious Mac & cheese like sauce that really just is really yum and perfect for these cold winter days.
It’s also super easy to put together.
Ingredients
1 bag @pardesfarms Winterblend (mixed broccoli & cauliflower 2.5 cups worth)
2 cups cooked rice (I use the @traderjoes microwave jasmine rice)
1 red onion, diced
2-4 @kosher_taste garlic cloves, minced
1/2 stick butter
1/4 cup flour
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded cheese
2 tsp. Salt
1 tsp. Black pepper
2 tsp. Smoked paprika
1 tsp. Turmeric
1/2 cup cream cheese
Corn flake crumbs
Shredded Parmesan or pecorino Romano (I used @thecheeseguy)
Instructions
In a sautee pan, melt your butter and add your onions and garlic. Let them sautee in the butter for about 5 minutes and then mix in your flour.
Once you have your rue, add your cream and milk and bring it to a rolling simmer.
You should start seeing the milk bubble. Once it bubble and starts to rise in the pan, add your cheese and mix well. Then add your cream cheese and mix well. Season with all the spices and mix well and remove from heat.
In a large bowl add all your veggies, the rice and the cheese sauce and mix well.
Transfer to your baking dish and smooth out your mixture.
Then generously sprinkle the top with the corn flake crumbs and shredded pecorino.
Bake on 350F for about 25-30 minutes till the top gets golden and the casserole is bubbly on the sides.
Serve hot.