Layered Pasta bake with broccoli

I got to buy some fresh broccoli over the weekend. I was thinking of making a broccoli pesto sauce that I had seen while food gawking on the internet. Since I have run out of any kind of nut that I could use in the pesto, I decide on making a pasta bake. The alternate was a quiche but that would mean having to see the pack of pasta lying as is.

Broccoli is one vegetable that I've seen in the exotic section of every super market. This veggie is actually found so easily in the local market in Ooty and at a much cheaper price. Earlier I used to refuse to reach out for it cause of the exorbitant MRP displayed. Now, as I keep trying out different dishes and like to choose different veggies, this gets into the basket once in a while.

Broccoli has a very high iron content and I've seen it in many forms in the dabbas of pregnant and anaemic women. When buying broccoli, stay away from the ones which are turning brown at the tips of the florets.

Now, when it comes to this dish, the seasoning is all that matters. So ensure you add sufficient salt and pepper.

Equipment used :

• gas stove
• convection bake option in combination microwave
• round cake tin

Difficulty : Easy

Preparation time : 15 minutes

Cooking time : 25 minutes + 30 minutes for baking

Ingredients (Serves 2 as main course):

1. 1/2 cup of macaroni shell
2. 1/4 cup milk
3. 2 eggs
4. 1 head of broccoli
5. 1 largeonion chopped
6. 4 tomatoes chopped
7. 1 large pod of garlic chopped finely
8. 1 tbsp butter
9. 1 tsp olive oil
10. 2 tsp pepper (adjust according to taste)
11. 1/4 cup or more of grated cheddar cheese
12. Breadcrumbs - optional
13. Salt to taste

 How I made it :

1. Cook the pasta as per the instructions on pack. Reserve the hot water.
2. Put florets of broccoli into the hot water, while you chop onions, garlic and tomatoes.
3. In a pan, put in the garlic, butter and oil.
4. Turn on the flame and let the butter melt and oil get heated up.
5. Put in the onions and fry till translucent and pink.
6. Add the tomatoes and cook till soft.
7. Add the broccoli florets without the water. Discard the water now.
8. Add salt and pepper and let the broccoli cook. Turn off heat when the broccoli is 80% cooked.
9. In another bowl, beat the eggs and add milk. Add a little salt and pepper.
10. Preheat oven at 180 degree C
11. In a cake tin, layer with pasta.
12. Next put the broccoli mix.
13. Next sprinkle the cheese, as much as you like.
14. Pour over the egg and milk mixture.
15. I had some bread crumbs which I sprinkled on the top. This can be avoided. 
16. Bake for 30 minutes until top is golden brown.
17. Serve hot with tomato ketchup.