Au Gratin (Pasta Bake)

Ingredients

• 2 cupsPasta, boiled
• 1.5 cupsWhite béchamel sauce (see recipe)
• 1 tbspButter + oil
• 1 tspGinger, garlic, green chilli (crushed)
• 1.5 cupsMixed vegetables (onion, bell pepper, corn, mushroom, paneer)
• 1 cupSpinach (palak), chopped
• 1 cupMozzarella + cheddar, grated
• 2 tbspJalapeños, paprika, olives
• to tasteSalt
• 1/2 tspBlack pepper
• 1 tspMixed herbs

Method

1. 1

   Heat butter + oil in a pan. Add crushed ginger-garlic-chilli. Sauté 20 seconds.

2. 2

   Add all the chopped vegetables. Toss on a high flame for 2 minutes.

3. 3

   Add the spinach and salt. Cook 1 minute till the leaves wilt and lose their water.

4. 4

   Assemble in a microwave/oven-safe tray: spread the pasta. Pour the white sauce over. Top with the sautéed vegetables.

5. 5

   Generous layer of grated cheese on top. Garnish with jalapeños, paprika and olives.

6. 6

   Bake at 180°C for 10 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles. Serve hot.