Sophisticated Macaroni and Cheese
07
Jul
2015
- posted in: Recipes
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Sophisticated Mac and Cheese
2015-07-07 12:13:40
Serves 6
with cured ham, smoked paprika and Colston Basset Stilton. Serves 6 Take these simple, easily sourced, local ingredients to create a good, honest meal to share with friends and family.
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size
379g
Servings
6
Amount Per Serving
Calories 842
Calories from Fat 378
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 43g
66%
Saturated Fat 23g
116%
Trans Fat 0g
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g
Monounsaturated Fat 15g
Cholesterol 136mg
45%
Sodium 635mg
26%
Total Carbohydrates 78g
26%
Dietary Fiber 7g
28%
Sugars 7g
Protein 33g
Vitamin A
64%
Vitamin C
95%
Calcium
47%
Iron
19%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your Daily Values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Ingredients
- 500g small cut macaroni (fresh is best, but dried is just as good!)
- 2-3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 Chilli
- 1 large red pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 heaped tsp sweet smoked paprika
- 150g dried cured ham
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- 400g tinned cherry tomatoes
- 1 bottle of your favourite red wine (60 ml required for cooking)
- 400ml double cream
- 200g mature cheddar
- 150g stilton
- 60g grated Parmesan
- 50g fresh bread crumbs Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 handful Maldon sea salt
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni until slightly under-cooked, then run under cold water in a colander to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside to cool.
- Next, grate the cheeses and mix together, saving 20g of Parmesan for the topping.
- Now get your best blades ready for slicing and dicing! Finely slice the chillies and the red onion and cut the red pepper into thin strips. Roughly dice the dry cured ham.
- Take the red wine and measure out 60ml and set aside... the rest of the bottle is for you, so pour a large glass and indulge!
- Sauté the chillies and red onion in a large thick-bottomed pan over a medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until just starting to colour.
- Add the paprika, ham and garlic and cook gently for another minute.
- To this add the red wine and tomatoes and simmer gently for 20-30 minutes until the mixture has reduced and appears thick and glossy.
- Add the Maldon sea salt and a good twist of black pepper.
- Pour the cream into a thick-bottomed pan and heat until just simmering then whisk in the cheeses.
- Place the pasta into a large bowl, add the cured ham mixture and the warm cream sauce. Adjust the seasoning to your liking.
- Mix the breadcrumbs with the remaining Parmesan. If you like add a few fresh herbs such as basil or chives.
- Grab your gratin dish and pour the macaroni mixture in. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture on top and place under a preheated grill for 5-10 minutes until bubbling and golden.
- Serve immediately with a big bowl of dressed salad and the rest of your wine.
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