This quick supper dish with a creamy sauce is so delicious that everyone will be surprised to learn that the sauce is made from only one ingredient. Colour and texture are provided by broccoli and cauliflower. Offer bread to complement the vegetables and a simple tomato salad to contrast with the creamy sauce.
Add 100 g (3½ oz) carrots, cut into short, thin strips, with the other vegetables. Alternatively, replace either the cauliflower or the broccoli with 200 g (7 oz) carrots. * For a peppery flavour, and a good source of iron, add 55 g (2 oz) roughly chopped watercress. Stir in the watercress when adding the pasta and vegetables to the melted cheese. * Use ordinary brie or Camembert instead of the soft blue cheese, and add about 1 tbsp finely shredded fresh basil just before serving. * For a stronger blue cheese flavour, choose Saint Agur or Gorgonzola.
Broccoli and cauliflower belong to the cruciferous family of vegetables, all of which contain a number of phytochemicals, including indoles. Animal studies suggest that these phytochemicals may help to protect against breast cancer. Cruciferous vegetables also provide sulphoraphane which can stimulate the liver to produce cancer-fighting enzymes.
A, C, calcium * B1, B2, B6, B12, folate, niacin, copper, iron, potassium, selenium