Microwaved Macaroni Cheese

Serves 2

This makes a good easy main meal for 1 person if the broccoli is added. The rest may be reheated at a later time.

Photo: The Kitchn

Ingredients

• 25 g butter
• 1 cup macaroni or spirals, etc
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 cup grated tasty cheese
• 1 Tbsp flour
• ½ cup milk

Method

Cut the butter in 4 cubes and microwave it for about 20 seconds in a medium-sized microwavable bowl or serving dish, then add the pasta and stir to coat with the melted butter. Add the boiling water, cover the container and microwave at (Medium), 50% power, for about 10 minutes or until the pasta is tender, stirring after 5 minutes.

When tender, add the grated cheese and flour which have been thoroughly mixed together, and the milk.

Cover and microwave for about 2 minutes to melt the cheese, then stir and leave to stand for 3 - 4 minutes. During this time the pasta will soak up more liquid and the sauce will become more creamy. Microwave again briefly before serving, if you like.

Variations

For Macaroni and Broccoli Cheese, before preparing the macaroni cheese, cook two generous servings of broccoli florets in 1 cup of unsalted water until just tender, before making the macaroni cheese as above. Use the broccoli cooking liquid instead of water when making the macaroni cheese. Stir the drained broccoli through the cooked macaroni cheese.

For a crunchy topping, microwave 1 cup of fresh bread crumbs with a rounded teaspoon of melted butter, uncovered, on a paper towel, until the crumbs are golden brown, for 2 - 3 minutes, while the cooked macaroni cheese stands. Sprinkle the crisp crumbs over the mixture after serving it.