Ham and Pea Macaroni Cheese

Ingredients

• 350 g macaroni pasta
• 200 g thick-cut ham
• 150 g frozen peas
• 500 ml whole milk
• 40 g plain flour
• 40 g butter
• 160 g mature cheddar
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

Method

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan). Cook the macaroni in salted boiling water for 2 minutes less than packet instructions, adding the peas for the last minute. Drain.

2. 2

   Melt the butter in a saucepan over a medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, then gradually whisk in the milk to make a smooth béchamel.

3. 3

   Stir in the mustard and most of the cheddar until melted. Season lightly.

4. 4

   Dice the ham and stir into the sauce along with the drained pasta and peas. Pour into a greased ovenproof dish.

5. 5

   Scatter the remaining cheddar on top and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbling.