Macaroni with cauliflower and cheese

• macaroni↗300g g

  or rigatoni

• small cauliflower↗1

  broken into florets

• butter↗50g g
• flour↗50g g
• full-fat milk↗600ml ml
• extra mature cheddar↗140g g

  coarsely grated

• garlic cloves↗2

  minced

• breadcrumbs↗50g g
• small bunch of thyme

  leaves gathered

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the grill to maximum heat and bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni for 4 minutes, then add the cauliflower for another 8 minutes. Drain, reserving 100 ml of the cooking water.

2. 2

   Meanwhile, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat and add the flour, stirring. Slowly pour in the milk, constantly stirring until the sauce begins to thicken. Simmer for a few minutes, then remove from heat. Add the cheese, the reserved cooking water, and season to taste.

3. 3

   Transfer the macaroni and cauliflower to a large baking dish and mix with the cheese sauce. Combine the garlic cloves, breadcrumbs and thyme, and sprinkle the mixture over the top. Grill for 2–3 minutes until bubbles appear.