Macaroni Salad with Basil, Tomatoes and Chickpeas

If fresh basil isn't available, substitute 1/4 cup fresh parsley mixed with 1 teaspoon dried basil. Recipe serves 6.

Ingredients:

8 ounces (250 g) elbow macaroni or medium-sized pasta shells
1 1/4 pound (600 g) canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 egg tomatoes, cut into 1 inch (2.5 cm) pieces
2 spring onions including tops, sliced
1/4 cup firmly packed basil leaves, coarsely chopped
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/3 cup olive oil
3 cloves garlic, halved
1/4 teaspoon each dried rosemary and marjoram, chopped

Method:

1. Cook the pasta according to the packet directions. Drain, rinse under cold running water to stop the cooking and drain again; then transfer to a large bowl. Add the chickpeas, tomatoes, spring onions, basil, lemon juice and pepper, and toss together.
2. In a small frying pan heat the oil over low heat and add the garlic, rosemary and marjoram. Cook for about 5 minutes, turning the garlic as it colors until it is golden and the oil is fragrant. Strain the oil onto the pasta mixture, discarding the garlic and herbs, then toss to combine. Serve either at room temperature or chilled. Will keep, refrigerated, for 2 days.

Smoked Cod and Cheesy Macaroni

A complete meal in itself, this tasty baked fish, pasta and vegetables dish can be cooked in either a conventional or microwave oven. Recipe serves 4.

Ingredients:

7 ounce (205 g) packet Macaroni and Cheese
1 pound (500 g) smoked cod
8 ounces (250 g) zucchini, grated
1 red capsicum (pepper), chopped
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup cream
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons cornflour
1/4 cup water
1/2 cup grated tasty cheese

Method:

1. Cook macaroni in boiling water 10 minutes; drain. Place macaroni in ovenproof dish.
2. Place fish in frying pan, cover with water, bring to boil, reduce heat, simmer 10 minutes (or microwave on High 5 minutes), drain. Flake fish, discarding skin and bones. Add fish to zucchini and capsicum, spoon over macaroni.
3. Place cheese sauce mix from packet in saucepan, add milk, cream and lemon juice, stir until boiling. Add cornflour blended with water, stir until mixture boils and thickens, pour over fish mixture. Sprinkle with cheese, bake, covered, in moderate oven 20 minutes, remove cover, bake further 10 minutes (or microwave on High 10 minutes).

Macaroni Beef and Vegetables

Try this tasty one-pot meal of macaroni, ground beef and mixed vegetables for an easy mid-week dinner. Serve with warm crusty bread. Recipe serves 4.

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon oil
1 onion, chopped
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1 pound (500 g) ground beef (mince)
2 teaspoons French mustard
14 ounce (440 g) can tomato soup
1 1/4 cups water
3 1/2 ounces (100 g) pasta
2 cups frozen mixed vegetables

Method:

1. Heat oil in large saucepan, add onion, cook until soft. Add chili and beef, stirring until beef is cooked. Add mustard, soup, water, pasta and vegetables; stir well. Bring to the boil, reduce heat, simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes or until pasta is cooked.