September 2nd, 2009
Macaroni and Cheese
Ro has a particular fixation with all things “mac”, apple mac to be more precise. Mac and Cheese is no exception. This has to be one of our favourite ways of eating pasta. Perfectly cooked macaroni (read al dente) covered with a creamy sauce and topped with a cheesy bread crumbed layer. It most definitely classifies as comfort food for me.
Macaroni and cheese has to be one of the most popular food in the world. There can be endless variations to the basic recipe. What I like most about this recipe is that one can play with it to suit one’s mood or the occasion. Plain macaroni and cheese is ideal for kids with its bland deliciousness. Chopped herbs like parsely and oregano, spices like paprika or mustard and smoked cheddar instead of plain old cheddar can add variety to the adult palate. Adding cooked vegetables and going easy on the cheese can make for a complete and healthy meal.
Certain classics can never go stale and this couldn’t be more true here. We can never tire of eating pasta this way. Served as it is or with my favourite vegetables like broccoli, spinach and corn this recipe is permanently etched in my book. Served with a simple soup and a salad for a “perfect “ lunch or Sunday brunch, I know I cannot go wrong with good old mac and cheese.
Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
Add your favourite vegetables and try using different kinds of cheese.
Ingredients:
250 gm (8 oz) macaroni (preferably elbow macaroni)
3 tbsp butter
1/4 tsp nutmeg powder
4 tbsp plain flour
500 ml (2 cups) milk
2 tsp salt or to taste
½ tsp freshly ground pepper or to taste
1 cup Cheddar cheese, grated
1 cup breadcrumbs* + 1 tbsp butter
Method:
Cook the pasta according to manufacturers instructions.
In a saucepan or a wok, melt the butter over medium low heat. Stir in the nutmeg powder and the flour and mix until smooth and creamy. Cook the mixture over low heat for a couple of minutes.
Take the saucepan away from the fire and pour in the milk with your left hand while continuously stirring the flour butter mixture with the right hand. Return the saucepan to the heat and cook over a medium flame until the sauce comes to a boil.
Season with salt and pepper and fold in ¼ cup cheese.
Heat 1 tbsp butter in a skillet or a wok and toss in the breadcrumbs and cook until they are coated with the butter, about a minute or so.
In a shallow buttered baking dish place the cooked pasta. Fold in the prepared sauce. Spread the remaining grated cheese and sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs evenly over the cheese. Bake in a pre-heated oven at 200 degree Centigrade (400 degree Fahrenheit or gas mark 6) for about 15 minutes until the top acquires a beautiful golden brown crust.
* To make your own breadcrumbs, toast bread in a toaster or skillet, cut the sides and powder in a food processor or blender.
September 3rd, 2009 at 12:31 am
Wow…YUM
Awesome pictures by the way. Ur getting way too good at the picturing! Awesome 
Macaroni and cheese beku
September 3rd, 2009 at 1:16 am
I agree with it being great comfort food. I can do mac’n'cheese with some fresh ground pepper anytime! Simi - preheat up the oven and make some for yourself :p… call me while you eat I’ll give company!
September 3rd, 2009 at 3:01 am
Looks mouth watering!
September 3rd, 2009 at 5:23 am
It is a great classic, I make it with mushroom & garlic as that is the way my husband and son enjoy it.
September 3rd, 2009 at 2:12 pm
just so perfect…!
September 3rd, 2009 at 3:12 pm
What a delicious clicks… Yummyyy
September 3rd, 2009 at 3:29 pm
Simi and Aru: Enjoy mac’n’ cheese and each other’s company!
Rustoo: Nice to see here after a long time.
September 3rd, 2009 at 5:03 pm
Yum yum!! I LOVE mac and cheese, it’s my idea of comfort food
This looks deliciously good!!!
September 3rd, 2009 at 5:45 pm
oh yes we like our pasta this way with the bechamel & baked! my kids won’t eat mac & cheese the kid way, but they like this:-)
September 4th, 2009 at 8:30 am
That is truly appetizing! I love baked mac n cheese!
September 4th, 2009 at 10:03 am
Wow this looks so simple and delicious…going to try this one real soon..thanks for sharing and pics are cool
September 6th, 2009 at 7:38 pm
hey anu..I have passed an award to you, pls accept it
September 8th, 2009 at 1:48 pm
Thanks for dropping by……..this looks chessy and yummy…
September 10th, 2009 at 2:41 pm
Mac and cheese is a favourite around here too. Yours looks wonderful!
September 16th, 2009 at 5:13 pm
I am drooling again!…lovely mac and cheese!