Creamy Penne with Native Thyme

Native thyme is a yummy Australian herb that has been traditionally used by Aboriginal peoples for medicinal purposes. Today, native thyme is grown in gardens across Australia and used in a variety of ways to flavour meals. At Keiki, one of our favourite ways to use this herb is in our recipe for Creamy Penne with Native Thyme, Mushroom and Broccoli. This vegetable-filled meal is warming for a cold evening and great to reheat for lunch the next day.

Creamy Penne with Native Thyme

A favourite recipe from Keiki Early Learning:

Ingredients

• 500g penne pasta
• 1 cup of vegetable stock
• 1/2 cup of milk of choice
• 1/2 tablespoon cornflour
• 1/4 teaspoon native thyme
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Ground pepper (to taste)
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon crushed garlic
• 300g broccoli, chopped
• 250g frozen vegetables of choice
• 1/2 zucchini, diced
• 250g mushrooms, diced

Method

1. Cook penne as per the packet instructions.
2. Heat oil in a large pot and fry onion and garlic until softened.
3. Stir-in thyme and pepper until fragrant.
4. Add mushrooms, zucchini and broccoli.
5. Add mixed vegetables, vegetable stock and milk and bring to a simmer.
6. Mix cornflour with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Add to the pot and stir.
7. Simmer until thickened and vegetables are cooked to your liking.
8. Stir through penne and serve warm.

Keiki Early Learning

At Keiki Early Learning our experienced cooks offer delicious and nutritionally balanced 4-week rotating menus. We cater to all dietary, cultural and medical needs and all of our rooms follow dietary and food allergy requirements, so no child is left unhappy or at risk.

We also provide progressive mealtimes with a relaxed atmosphere where children have the opportunity to choose when they would like to eat their meals. Visit our Food and Nutrition page for more information.