Greek Macaroni and Cheese

Greek Macaroni and Cheese Recipe | Delicious and Easy to Make

Region / culture: Greece | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Greek Macaroni and Cheese is a delicious twist on the classic comfort food dish. This recipe combines the creamy goodness of traditional mac and cheese with the bold flavors of Greek cuisine. With a blend of feta cheese, spinach, olives, and fresh herbs, this dish is sure to become a new family favorite.

History

While macaroni and cheese is a classic American dish, the addition of Greek ingredients gives this recipe a unique twist. Feta cheese, olives, and fresh herbs are staples in Greek cooking, and they add a Mediterranean flair to this traditional comfort food.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) macaroni
0.5 lb (227 g) spinach, washed and stemmed
1.5 lb (680 g) crumbled feta cheese (about 6 cups)
2.33 cups whole milk
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
0.67 cup olive oil
1 tsp kosher salt
2 tsp freshly ground pepper
0.75 tsp minced fresh rosemary
2 tsp minced fresh thyme
1 tbsp finely chopped garlic
0.5 tsp red pepper flakes, or to taste
0.5 cup pitted and coarsely chopped black olives
0.5 lb (227 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese
0.25 cup mixed chopped fresh herbs

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Bring 6 qt (5.68 liters) of salted water to a boil.
Add the pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente, for 8 to 10 minutes.
Drain the pasta and place it in a large mixing bowl.
To blanch the spinach, bring 4 qt (3.78 liters) of salted water to a simmer over medium-high heat.
Prepare a large bowl of ice water and a slotted spoon.
Add the spinach to the simmering water in three or four batches and submerge it.
Let it cook for about 15 seconds, then remove it with the slotted spoon and plunge it into the ice water.
Allow the spinach to cool completely, then drain it and squeeze out the excess water. If the leaves are large, chop them into bite-size pieces and set aside.
In a blender or food processor, puree the feta cheese with the milk, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. If necessary, blend in two batches. The mixture will not be completely smooth; there will be very small chunks of cheese remaining.
Stir the cheese mixture into the cooked pasta, then add the minced rosemary and thyme, garlic, red pepper flakes, cherry tomatoes, and blanched spinach.
Place the mixture in a 9 by 13-inch baking pan and sprinkle it with grated parmesan cheese and mixed herbs.
Bake on the middle shelf until the pasta is heated through and the top is slightly browned, for 25 to 30 minutes.

Variations

Add cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
Use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar, for a different flavor profile.
Mix in roasted vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.

- Blanche the spinach quickly to preserve its bright green color and nutrients.

- Use high-quality feta cheese for the best flavor.

- Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Greek Macaroni and Cheese with a side salad of mixed greens dressed with a lemon vinaigrette for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Blanching the spinach and pureeing the feta cheese with milk creates a creamy sauce that coats the pasta evenly.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version of this dish.

- Substitute goat cheese for feta cheese for a tangier flavor.

- Use dried herbs if fresh herbs are not available, but reduce the amount by half.

Make Ahead Tips

You can assemble the dish up to a day in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the baked dish with fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Greek Macaroni and Cheese with a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, to complement the flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Greek Macaroni and Cheese contains approximately 450 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Greek Macaroni and Cheese contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Greek Macaroni and Cheese contains approximately 25 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Greek Macaroni and Cheese contains approximately 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin C thanks to the feta cheese, spinach, and tomatoes.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (feta cheese, milk, parmesan cheese) and gluten (pasta), so it may not be suitable for those with dairy or gluten allergies.

Summary

Greek Macaroni and Cheese is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious meal option.

Summary

Greek Macaroni and Cheese is a delicious and nutritious twist on the classic comfort food dish. With a blend of feta cheese, spinach, olives, and fresh herbs, this dish is sure to become a new family favorite. Enjoy the bold flavors of Greek cuisine in this creamy and satisfying pasta dish.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Greek Macaroni and Cheese. It was a hot summer day, and I was visiting my friend Maria in her quaint little village in Greece. We were sitting on her shaded patio, sipping on homemade lemonade and catching up on each other's lives.

As we chatted, Maria suddenly jumped up and disappeared into her kitchen. She returned with a yellowed recipe card in hand and a mischievous twinkle in her eye. "I have a special treat for you today, my dear friend," she said, waving the card in front of me. "I'm going to teach you how to make my family's secret recipe for Greek Macaroni and Cheese."

I couldn't believe my luck. Maria's family was known for their delicious and authentic Greek dishes, and I had always admired her cooking skills. I eagerly followed her into the kitchen, where she had already laid out all the ingredients we would need.

As Maria began to explain the recipe to me, I couldn't help but marvel at the simplicity of it all. The key, she said, was in using high-quality ingredients and cooking with love and patience. She showed me how to prepare the creamy bechamel sauce, a staple in Greek cuisine, and how to perfectly cook the macaroni until it was al dente.

While the macaroni was boiling, Maria pulled out a block of feta cheese and began crumbling it into a bowl. "This is what sets our Greek Macaroni and Cheese apart from the rest," she explained. "The feta adds a tangy and salty flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce."

Once the macaroni was cooked and the sauce was ready, Maria mixed everything together in a large baking dish. She sprinkled a generous amount of grated Kasseri cheese on top, a traditional Greek cheese that would create a golden and crispy crust when baked in the oven.

As the dish baked, filling the kitchen with the irresistible aroma of melted cheese and spices, Maria and I sat down at the table to enjoy a glass of wine and catch up some more. She regaled me with stories of her family and their love for cooking, passing down recipes from generation to generation.

When the timer went off, we rushed to the oven to check on our creation. The Greek Macaroni and Cheese had turned a beautiful golden brown, with the cheese bubbling and oozing out from the sides. Maria carefully removed the dish from the oven and sliced it into generous portions.

We sat down to eat, savoring each bite of the creamy and cheesy pasta. The feta added a delightful tanginess to the dish, while the crispy Kasseri cheese created a perfect contrast in texture. It was one of the most delicious dishes I had ever tasted, and I felt grateful to have learned the recipe from my dear friend.

After our meal, Maria handed me the recipe card, now stained with sauce and cheese. "Keep this close to your heart, my dear," she said. "Cooking is a gift that we pass down through the generations, and I know that you will continue to cherish and share this recipe with your own loved ones."

And so, I returned home with a full heart and a happy stomach, armed with the knowledge of how to make the most delicious Greek Macaroni and Cheese. I have since shared the recipe with my family and friends, each time adding my own twist and flair to make it truly my own.

But every time I take a bite of that creamy and cheesy pasta, I am transported back to that sunny afternoon in Maria's kitchen, where I first learned the secret to making the perfect Greek Macaroni and Cheese. And for that, I will always be grateful.