Hidden veg pasta bake

Ingredient

  • 1 red onion
  • 1 aubergine
  • 1 courgette
  • 1 red pepper, core removed
  • 1 yellow pepper, core removed
  • 5 tbsp olive oil
  • 400 g chopped tomatoes
  • 1 handful basil
  • 1 drizzle honey (optional)
  • 350 g penne pasta
  • 1 large handful of grated cheddar
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F / Gas Mark 6).

Dice the red onion, crush the garlic, and roughly dice the aubergine, courgette, and peppers. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the prepared vegetables and garlic and fry for a few minutes until they start to soften. You can also place this in an oven dish and do it in the oven if you don’t have time to watch it for about 20 minutes.

Add the chopped tomatoes, basil, honey, and seasoning to the pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and cooked through or add to the oven tray with the veg for about 10 minutes.

While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta in a large pan of boiling, slightly salted water according to the package instructions until al dente (just cooked).

Blend the sauce: Once the vegetables are soft, use a hand blender or food processor to blitz the tomato and vegetable sauce until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a little water or vegetable stock to achieve the desired consistency.

Drain the cooked pasta and mix the sauce and pasta together. Mix everything well, then transfer to an ovenproof dish.

Sprinkle a generous layer of grated cheddar cheese over the pasta mixture or any other desired cheese or mix. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.

Tips and variations.

Vegetable choices: Feel free to experiment with different vegetables! You can add green beans, mushrooms, spinach, or even butternut squash for added flavour and nutrition. Remember that some vegetables may have a stronger flavour than others, so choose ones that will complement the tomato base.

Herbs and spices: Enhance the flavour with your favourite herbs and spices, such as Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or chilli flakes for a bit of heat. Fresh basil or thyme can also add a delightful aroma and flavour.

Cheese variations: While cheddar and mozzarella are common choices, you can try other cheeses like ricotta for creamy pockets, or a vegetarian Parmesan-style cheese for a sharper flavour.

Adding protein: For a heartier meal, you can add cooked sausages, chicken, or vegan beef crumbles to the bake.

Storing and reheating.

Make ahead: You can prepare the pasta bake up to the point of adding cheese, then refrigerate.

To reheat:  Add the cheese and simply put it in the oven for about 40-50 minutes.

Fridge: Store up to 3 days in a sealed container

Frozen: Best recommendation is to freeze in a sealed glass container for up to 2 months before quality changes, 3 months Max.