Baked Pasta With Cauliflower And Cheese (Dj/Ws) Recipe

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Servings: 6

Ingredients

Cost per serving $3.07 view details

1/2 c. Butter
1/2 c. Unbleached white flour
1 quart Lowfat milk, heated
1Â 1/2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
1 pch Nutmeg, preferably freshly grated
Â Â Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 c. Vegetable oil
4 c. Minced onions
3 x Garlic cloves, chopped or possibly pressed
1/2 c. Fresh basil, minced, (2 tsp. dry)
1 lrg Head cauliflower, cut in florets
6 x Ripe tomatoes, minced or possibly 3 c. canned tomatoes, liquid removed and minced
3 Tbsp. Fresh lemon juice
1 lb Medium pasta shells
1 c. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, (2 1/2 ounces)
1Â 1/2 c. Shredded mozzarella or possibly mild provolone, (6 ounces) cheese
Â Â Seasoned bread crumbs

To prepare the Bechamel sauce, heat the butter in a heavy saucepan on medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour, whisking or possibly stirring constantly, till a smooth pasteis formed. Add in the heated lowfat milk slowly, a c. at a time, continuing to whisk till the sauce begins to thicken. Add in the mustard, nutmeg, salt, and pepper and let the sauce thicken further on low heat. Remove from heat and cover.
Saute/fry the onions, garlic, and basil in oil. When the onions are translucent/soft, add in the cauliflower and saute/fry for 5 min or possibly more. Add in the tomatoes and simmer till the cauliflower is tender.
Cook the pasta al dente and then drain.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, the sauteed vegetables, and the lemon juice. Fold in the Bechamel sauce. Put half of the pasta mix in an oiled baking dish. Sprinkle on half of each of the cheeses. Add in the rest of the pasta mix and then the rest of the cheese. Top with seasoned bread crumbs and bake covered at 375 degrees for about 30 min and then uncovered for about 15 min or possibly till bubbling and golden brown on top.
Yield: 6 servings