Healthier Macaroni and Cheese

Several years ago I made my choice in foods and life style to stick as much as possible to all kinds of health and beauty stuff. I believe everyone shall inderstand one day that it just doesn't work in another way: you want to stay young and attractive as long as you can - you have to know what you do and what you eat. Non-starchy vegetables, proteins and a right quantity of unsaturated fats are your best friends, it's like an ABC for building your dietary intake. Simple, not hard to stick to, no need of staying hungry. Seems like perfect!

Still there are those magic products we are all crazy about - comfort foods which our moms cooked us in the childhood and keep cooking when the family gather together. Foods that bring nice emotions inside, foods we rely on like a sedative when we are not feeling okay. Crispy baked potatoes? A big burger? A bag of chocolates? Macaroni and cheese? I love these things too, I just don't want to agree that this should be totally useless food comforting your soul and meanwhile destructing your beautiful body.

I understand you can't give it 100% of health but you definitely can not make it 100% useless. Add fresh light pesto to baked potatoes. Take a whole wheat bun for your burger. Substitute a part of your cheese with mashed vegetables in mac and cheese. At least balance your meal with a good portion of green salad! It's still your favourite comfort food, just made with a little hint of health, try it and you will see it's worth it!

Ingredients (serves 2):

2 1/2 cups dry pasta

2 cups frozen green beans

200 g light cheddar cheese

4 tablespoons milk

2 garlic cloves

1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

good quality olive oil

sea salt

Directions:

Cook your pasta according to the instructions until al dente.

To make the sauce pulse your frozen beans in a food processor. Finely chop your garlic, heat a little of olive oil over medium heat in a saucepan, add garlic and thyme leaves and stir for a moment for the oil to incorporate the flavor. Add your beans and continue stirring for a couple of minutes, then add grated cheese and about 4 tablespoons milk. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

Mix the sauce into your pasta and enjoy!

Bon Appétit!