As well as keeping a written diary for myself to remind me of what I had for tea, as a reminder when I'm stuck for things to cook, and as a guide for others, I had created this blog for the benefit of all to peruse, and will be asking family and friends to contribute. At this point that I would also like to point out that this blog is not strictly tied down to writing about your evening meal, and that if people have cooked a lunch, bakes some bread or a cake that they feel is worth writing about, then they are encouraged to write about it here.
So on with tonight's tea then...
Monday 25th January 2010 - Veggie Pasta Bake - Serves 4
Ingredients (you don't have to be exact with the veg - just use whatever you like or think will work)
250 - 300 grams of pasta shells of your choice
1 can of chopped tomatoes
1 tin of sweet corn
1 or 2 medium onions
1 broccoli head
1 courgette
1 red pepper
a handful of plum tomatoes (optional)
Some cheese to melt on top. I use whatever is on hand which is usually cheddar but tonight we had some Mozzarella and hard parmesan cheese, grated
Start by boiling the pasta, do this for 8 minutes. Drain and set aside to steam off.
Turn the oven to 200 degrees to heat
whilst the pasta is boiling thinly slice and gentle fry to onion on a low heat for 5 minutes until softened. Feel free to use a nob of butter on top of the oil if you like.
Chop the broccoli heads into thin slices and steam/boil so that the broccoli is softened slightly but still reasonably firm (it will cook more in the oven). Put to one side.
slice the courgette, pepper, and tomatoes if using.
when the onions are ready add the tin of chopped tomatoes and sweetcorn to the pan. Mix and stir for 2 minutes. Add a few glugs of worcester sauce if you have some, and some extra virgin olive oil if you like.
Get a deep baking/casserole dish and add the pasta and other veg, cover with the mixture from the frying pan and mix well. Place in the over for 20 minutes, stirring twice.
5 minutes before the end add whatever cheese you are using. Unless using a soft cheese like Mozzarella you will need to grate your cheese. Spread over the top generously and melt.
Serve on its own, with garlic bread, or a side salad. I always make extra for dinner (or lunch as you may call it) the next day.
