Cheese-kissed Tomato Noodle Medley

There is nothing better than comfort food that is easy to make, fast, delicious and healthy for you. This recipe has far less cheese but with the added tomato soaked into the noodle, and the nutty,cheesy flavours of nutritional yeast, it helps this dish to be creamy and delicious without the added caloric intake.

Ingredients

5 Roma Tomatoes

1 medium onion

1 1/2 cup dry preferred noodles

6 cups water

1 cup almond milk*

1 tbs Nutritional Yeast*

1\4 cup cheddar cheese

2 tsp red pepper flakes

2 tsp salt

2 tsp pepper

2 tbs capers (optional)

Hardware

Medium to large pot

Small pot

Medium oven safe baking dish

cutting board

Measuring cup, tbs and tsp

Sharp knife

2 mixing bowls

Grater (if you do not buy pre-shredded cheese)

Time 45 minutes

Preparation 20 minutes

Cooking 25 minutes
Yield 6 people

Time to get cooking!!
Make sure to Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees first
Begin with boiling the 6 cups of water in a large pot
Once water begins to slowly boil add noodles and a dash of salt
Boil for 15 minutes or until noodles are al dente (chewy)

• When boiling pasta the more water the better. It lets the pasta expand, preventing the pasta from sticking together and forming a clump as well as prevents the pasta from sticking to the pot

Cut all tomatoes in half and in a bowl juice them until only the rinds are left
Chop up rinds and add to the juice
Add the salt and pepper, stir and let sit

• Not only is this a more cost effective way of getting the taste and texture of "canned tomatoes" but it also allows you to customize according to your taste or dietary needs. 

Grate cheese (if not pre-shredded)

Combined in the measuring cup for easy clean-up

Chop onion and add to cheese
Add nutritional yeast and red pepper flakes to cheese and onion mix
Begin to heat up almond milk
Once almond milk begins to steam add the cheese mixture
Wait for cheese sauce to come to a boil, stirring occasionally



Drain noodles completely then add back to pot and add the tomatoes, stir until combined.
Once all cheese is melted add to tomato and noodle mixture
Mix until combined
Pour mixture into baking dish and set in oven for 15 minutes
Let rest before serving

•  Letting the dish rest before serving allows it not only to thicken but all juices to be absorbed into the pasta

Garnish with capers, or other garnish if desired, once cool

Serving
Can feed 6 people
Serve with pulled pork, bean burgers or alone

Storing and Reheating
Store in a plastic container in the fridge for 3-5 days
Reheat in the microwave for 1 minute on medium power level or on the stove top until desired heat.

Nutrition facts
Per Serving
Calories 295
Carbs 30g
Fat 13g
Protein 16g
Compared to a popular used brand per serving
Calories 400
Carbs 47g
Fat 19g
Protein 10g
Nutritional Difference
Calories -105
Carbs -17g
Fat -6g
Protein +6g

Cost
Recipe cost (23 oz): $2.43
Cost per serving(3.8 oz): $.40
Compared to a popular used brand
Product cost(7.5oz) on average: $1.79
Product cost per serving on average(2.5 oz): $.60
You save on average: per serving $.20



Tricks
-when draining pasta let it cool to develop starch, so that the tomato and cheese mix will adhere better
-when juicing the tomatoes use your hands, it might get messy but you don't have to worry about dirtying more dishes as well as you get the most juice out of each tomato
*Almond milk was use for the decreased caloric value as well as health reasons. Do be aware that almond and cheddar cheese can sometimes become clumpy, too solve this problem you can use an emulsifier or blender to smooth out.
*Nutritional yeast adds cheese flavor as well as other vitamins without the added fats. However it can be hard to find, but very versatile. When shopping for nutritional yeast make sure you are getting the full added benefits with out the added cost.