Southwestern Macaroni & Cheese

Ingredients

• 4-6 cups water
• 1 cup whole wheat elbow macaroni
• 1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1-2 tablespoon lime juice
• 1/2 medium onion, diced
• 1-1 1/2 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1/8-1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1-1 1/2 teaspoon dried red pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1-2 large roma tomatoes, diced
• 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 orange sweet bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 (16 ounce) can chili beans
• 1/3 cup nonfat plain yogurt
• 1/3 cup nonfat milk
• 1 1/2-2 cups nonfat cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2-3 tablespoons flour
• salt

Optional

• 3-4 green onions, diced
• 1 roma tomato, diced

Directions

1. 1

   Bring water to boil.

2. 2

   Add macaroni to water, cook 7-9 minutes, as directed.

3. 3

   In a large pan, saute olive oil, onion, garlic, lime juice, sugar, salt and spices at medium heat for 3-5 minutes.

4. 4

   Add tomato, green & orange peppers and chill beans. Cook for another 3-5 minutes.

5. 5

   Add yogurt and milk. Stir until well mixed.

6. 6

   Slowly stir in cheese and flour until cheese is melted and mixture is thick.

7. 7

   Remove from heat. Add cooked macaroni, mix until thoroughly coated.

8. 8

   Sprinkle top with green onions and tomato, if desired, and serve.