Not-So-Classic Mac & Cheese

I’ve always considered Mac & Cheese an ultimate comfort foods However, as I got older, I started eating gluten-free and my taste buds evolved a bit and boxed mac and cheese lost its appeal.

I came up with a healthy gluten-free mac and cheese recipe using Banza noodles made from chickpeas. They are high protein and have a unique texture. I think they taste especially great in this mac & cheese recipe and add something interesting to it.

A fellow blogger recommended cooking the noodles in chicken broth for extra flavor which was a great idea. I also threw in some broccoli to cut down on the carbs a bit and add some extra veggies. However, that is totally optional and can be omitted. This is a great recipe for a healthier twist on classic Mac & Cheese that both kids and adults will enjoy. This recipe will make about 3-4 servings as a side dish or 2-3 servings as a meal.

Ingredients (Total time: 30 min. Serves: 8):

• 1 box Banza Noodles
• 2 cubes chicken bullion
• 2 cups chopped broccoli florets
• 2 Tbsp. butter
• 2 Tbsp. gluten-free all purpose flour (I usually use Bob’s Red Mill)
• 1 ½ cups 2% milk
• ¼ tsp. paprika
• ¼ tsp. garlic powder
• ½ tsp. pepper
• 1 ½ cup shredded cheddar
• ½ cups shredded parmesan
• extra salt and pepper to taste

1. Cook noodles in a medium pot according to package directions, but throw 2 cubes of chicken bullion into the boiling water. Once cooked, drain, place back into pot and set aside.
2. Steam broccoli until completely cooked, drain and place in pot with noodles.
   In a medium sauce pan over medium heat, melt butter and stir in flour. Let the mixture bubble for about 1 or 2 minutes stirring the entire time.
3. Slowly add milk to flour mixture about ¼ cup at a time whisking the entire time. Once the sauce starts to thicken, add the next ¼ cup of milk. Repeat until you have added all the milk and until the sauce is nicely thickened. Continuing to whisk the entire time.
4. Whisk in paprika and garlic powder. Once incorporated, add in all of the cheese and whisk until totally melted.
5. Pour the cheese sauce over the noodles and broccoli and mix in cheese sauce.