Green Chili Macaroni and Cheese

Green Chili Macaroni and Cheese Recipe - Authentic Mexican Dish

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Green Chili Macaroni and Cheese is a delicious and flavorful twist on the classic comfort food dish. This recipe combines creamy cheese sauce with spicy green chilies for a unique and satisfying meal.

History

This recipe is a modern take on traditional macaroni and cheese, incorporating the bold flavors of green chilies for an added kick. It is a popular dish in Southwestern cuisine, where green chilies are a staple ingredient.

Ingredients

8 oz (227 g) uncooked elbow macaroni (2 cups)
2 slices white bread, coarsely torn
2 tbsp finely chopped fresh cilantro
0.5 tsp salt
0.25 tsp dry mustard
2 tbsp unsalted butter or margarine
0.33 cup finely chopped onion
0.5 – 1 tsp canned chipotle chile in adobo sauce
1 scallion (white and light green parts), finely chopped
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1.5 cups plain soy milk
5 oz (142 g) jalapeño soy cheese, shredded (1.5 cups)

How to prepare

Coat an 8-inch square baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside.
Preheat the broiler.
Bring a medium saucepan of lightly salted water to a boil.
Add the macaroni and stir to prevent sticking.
Cook until the macaroni is just tender, about 6 minutes.
Drain the macaroni well and set it aside.
Meanwhile, in a food processor or blender, pulse the bread until coarse crumbs form.
Transfer the crumbs to a small bowl.
Stir in the cilantro, salt, and mustard, and set the mixture aside.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the onion, chipotle, and scallion, and cook, stirring often, until the onion is tender, about 4 minutes.
Stir in the flour and cook, stirring, until the mixture is fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes.
Stir in 0.25 cup of soy milk until no lumps remain.
Stir in another 0.5 cup of milk until smooth, and then add the remaining 0.75 cup of milk.
Increase the heat to medium-high and cook, stirring, until the mixture boils gently and thickens enough to leave a track on the bottom of the pot behind the spoon, about 2 minutes.
Stir in the "cheese" just until melted.
Stir in the macaroni until it is coated with the cheese sauce.
Transfer the macaroni mixture to the prepared baking dish and sprinkle with the reserved crumbs.
Broil the dish just until the top is browned, about 1.5 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Serve the dish hot.

Variations

Add cooked ground beef or turkey for a meaty version of this dish.
Use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or pepper jack, for a different flavor profile.
Mix in cooked black beans or corn for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the macaroni just until tender, as it will continue to cook in the cheese sauce.

- Adjust the amount of green chilies to suit your taste preferences – you can add more or less depending on how spicy you like it.

- For a crispy topping, broil the dish for just a few minutes until the breadcrumbs are golden brown.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Green Chili Macaroni and Cheese with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to stir the cheese sauce constantly to prevent it from burning or sticking to the pan.

- Cook the macaroni just until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy in the cheese sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use regular milk instead of soy milk if desired.

- Substitute regular cheese for soy cheese if you do not have dietary restrictions.

Make Ahead Tips

Green Chili Macaroni and Cheese can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Simply cover the dish with foil and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Green Chili Macaroni and Cheese in individual ramekins for a stylish presentation. Garnish with fresh cilantro or sliced green chilies for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Green Chili Macaroni and Cheese with a crisp green salad and a glass of white wine for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Green Chili Macaroni and Cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Green Chili Macaroni and Cheese contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Green Chili Macaroni and Cheese contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Green Chili Macaroni and Cheese contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Green Chili Macaroni and Cheese contains approximately 10 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Green Chili Macaroni and Cheese is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin C.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and wheat allergens.

Summary

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

Summary

Green Chili Macaroni and Cheese is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines creamy cheese sauce with spicy green chilies for a flavorful twist on a classic comfort food. With a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as well as essential vitamins and minerals, this dish is both nutritious and delicious. Enjoy this dish with your favorite side dishes and pairings for a complete and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Green Chili Macaroni and Cheese. It was a hot summer day and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy little cottage by the sea. Maria was known for her delicious and inventive cooking, so I was eager to see what she had in store for dinner that evening.

As I walked into her kitchen, I was greeted by the most wonderful aroma of spices and cheese. Maria was standing over the stove, stirring a pot of bubbling macaroni and cheese, but with a twist. I asked her what she was making, and she replied with a mischievous grin, "Green Chili Macaroni and Cheese."

I had never heard of such a dish before, but as soon as I took my first bite, I knew I had to learn how to make it myself. The combination of creamy cheese, spicy green chilies, and tender macaroni was a revelation. I begged Maria for the recipe, and she was more than happy to share it with me.

Maria explained that she had learned the recipe from her grandmother, who had picked it up while traveling through the Southwest many years ago. The dish was a fusion of traditional macaroni and cheese with the bold flavors of green chilies, a staple in Southwestern cuisine. Maria had put her own spin on the recipe, adding extra spices and a generous amount of cheese to make it even more decadent.

I was determined to master this dish and bring a taste of the Southwest back to my own kitchen. Over the years, I have made the Green Chili Macaroni and Cheese countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my own tastes. It has become a favorite among my family and friends, who always request it for potlucks and gatherings.

To make the Green Chili Macaroni and Cheese, you will need:

- 1 pound of elbow macaroni

- 2 tablespoons of butter

- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour

- 2 cups of milk

- 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese

- 1 can of diced green chilies

- 1 teaspoon of cumin

- 1 teaspoon of paprika

- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder

- Salt and pepper to taste

Start by cooking the macaroni according to the package instructions. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for a few minutes until it forms a paste. Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure to remove any lumps.

Once the mixture has thickened, stir in the shredded cheese until it is melted and smooth. Add the green chilies, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Drain the cooked macaroni and add it to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat evenly. Pour the mixture into a baking dish and sprinkle with extra cheese if desired. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. It holds a special place in my heart, as it reminds me of that fateful day in Maria's kitchen when I first discovered the magic of Green Chili Macaroni and Cheese. It is a dish that brings people together and fills them with warmth and comfort. So go ahead, give it a try and let me know what you think. Bon appétit!