Cook's Hideout: Mac-n-Cheese on Request for A.W.E.D-Italian

July 31, 2008

Mac-n-Cheese on Request for A.W.E.D-Italian

I say on request because my sister who was visiting us asked me to make her some macaroni and cheese. I love mac and cheese and have make it several different ways. But I don’t make it very often because my husband is not fond of milk and cheese, so when there is a request I cannot stop myself (ahem.. my poor husband had to settle for leftover khichdi). This recipe is adapted from Vegetarian Times.


Ingredients:
Butter – 2 tbsp
Olive oil – 1 tbsp
Onion – 1 small, finely chopped
Jalapeno – 1, finely chopped
All-purpose flour – 3 tbsp
2% Milk – 3 cups
Cheddar Cheese – 8 oz. shredded (I used reduced fat mild cheddar)
Paprika – ½ tsp
Cayenne – ½ tsp (or to taste)
Nutmeg – ¼ tsp
Black pepper – ½ tsp (or to taste)
Frozen chopped spinach – 10 oz. box, thawed
Bread crumbs – ½ cup
Parmesan cheese – 3 tbsp

Elbow Macaroni – 8 oz. cooked according to package directions


Method:
  • Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • Melt butter along with olive oil in a large sauce pan on medium-high flame. Add onions, jalapeno and sauté till onions wilt, 3-5 minutes.
  • Sprinkle the flour and cook for 5 minutes till it loses the raw smell. Do not let the flour brown.
  • Whisk in milk, paprika, nutmeg, cayenne, pepper. Bring to the boil; then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes or until the mixture thickens.
  • Add the thawed spinach at this stage; mix thoroughly. Turn off the heat and mix in the cheese. (I turn the heat off just to make sure that the milk does not curdle after adding the cheese; been there.. done that..)
  • Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce. Pour half the pasta into a baking dish; sprinkle 1 tbsp parmesan cheese and ¼ cup bread crumbs. Pour in the rest of the pasta; sprinkle the remaining 2tbsp parmesan cheese and ¼ cup bread crumbs. Bake for 30-40 minutes, until the top is browned and bubbling.
  • Serve hot.
This makes about 6 servings.


This is my entry to this month's edition of A.W.E.D-Italian hosted by talented DK @ Culinary Bazaar.

Bon Appetito!!!

6 comments:

  1. Oh..Look at that bowl...i am sure my son would love this.I usually make store brought ready mix..:(
    Will give a try ..

    ReplyDelete
  2. Looks too good with the addition of spinach..

    ReplyDelete
  3. Looks nice! Spinach complements cheese so well, that should taste good!

    ReplyDelete
  4. looks so inviting...

    ReplyDelete
  5. This is a nice version of mac & cheese, really looks good :)

    ReplyDelete

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