Macaroni and Cheese Pudding

Macaroni and Cheese Pudding Recipe - Vegetarian Comfort Food from Moldova

Region / culture: Moldova | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Macaroni and cheese pudding is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the creamy goodness of macaroni and cheese with a crispy, baked topping. This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or as a side dish for a family gathering.

History

Macaroni and cheese pudding has been a popular dish in American cuisine for decades. It is believed to have originated in the United States in the late 18th century, with variations of the dish appearing in cookbooks throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. The combination of macaroni, cheese, and eggs creates a rich and satisfying dish that has stood the test of time.

Ingredients

0.5 lb / 250 g macaroni
3 tbsp sheep cheese
2 tbsp butter
3 eggs
bread crumbs

How to prepare

Boil the macaroni in salted water, then drain and rinse with cold water. Allow it to drain again.
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and add the cheese. Mix this with the macaroni and melted butter.
Butter a baking sheet and sprinkle breadcrumbs all over it. Place the macaroni mixture on the sheet and bake it in the oven.
Once cooked, transfer the macaroni onto a platter. Cut it into squares and serve it hot.

Variations

Add cooked bacon or ham for a smoky flavor.
Mix in diced tomatoes or spinach for added color and nutrients.
Use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or Parmesan, for a unique flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the macaroni until it is al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.

- Use a high-quality cheese for the best flavor. Cheddar, Gruyere, or a combination of cheeses work well in this recipe.

- For a crispy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the buttered baking sheet before adding the macaroni mixture.

- Allow the pudding to cool slightly before cutting into squares to serve.

Serving Suggestions

Serve macaroni and cheese pudding as a side dish with roasted chicken or grilled vegetables. It also makes a delicious main course when paired with a green salad.

Cooking Techniques

Boil the macaroni until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy in the oven.

- Beat the eggs well to ensure a creamy texture in the pudding.

- Bake the pudding in a preheated oven to ensure even cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use regular cheese instead of sheep cheese.

- Substitute margarine for butter.

- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version of the dish.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the macaroni and cheese mixture ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake.

- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Cut the macaroni and cheese pudding into squares and serve on a platter. - Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair macaroni and cheese pudding with a crisp white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.

- Serve with a side of garlic bread or dinner rolls for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

- Total Calories per serving: 400

Carbohydrates

- Macaroni: 40g

- Bread crumbs: 10g

- Total Carbohydrates per serving: 50g

Fats

- Sheep cheese: 15g

- Butter: 10g

- Total Fats per serving: 25g

Proteins

- Eggs: 12g

- Sheep cheese: 5g

- Total Proteins per serving: 17g

Vitamins and minerals

Calcium: 20% of daily value

- Vitamin A: 15% of daily value

- Iron: 10% of daily value

Alergens

Contains dairy (cheese, butter, eggs)

- Contains gluten (macaroni, breadcrumbs)

Summary

Macaroni and cheese pudding is a rich and satisfying dish that provides a good source of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and iron.

Summary

Macaroni and cheese pudding is a classic dish that combines the creamy goodness of macaroni and cheese with a crispy, baked topping. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for a cozy night in or as a side dish for a family gathering. Enjoy the rich and satisfying flavors of this comforting dish!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a joyful one. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, that I first learned how to make the most delicious Macaroni and Cheese Pudding.

I remember it like it was yesterday. My dear Aunt Martha had come to visit us from the countryside, and she brought with her a basket full of fresh eggs, milk, and cheese from her farm. As soon as she arrived, she declared that she was going to make us a special treat for dinner that night – Macaroni and Cheese Pudding.

I had never heard of such a dish before, but I was intrigued. Aunt Martha set to work in the kitchen, boiling the macaroni until it was tender, grating the cheddar cheese, and whisking the eggs and milk together in a large bowl. The aroma of cheese and butter filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation.

As she layered the macaroni and cheese mixture in a baking dish, she explained to me the importance of using good quality ingredients and taking the time to make each step just right. She told me that this recipe had been passed down in our family for generations, and that it was a favorite of everyone who had ever tried it.

Finally, she placed the dish in the oven and we waited, eagerly watching as the cheese bubbled and melted, creating a golden crust on top of the pudding. When it was ready, she scooped out a generous serving onto my plate and handed it to me with a smile.

I took my first bite and was immediately transported to a world of creamy, cheesy goodness. The macaroni was perfectly cooked, the cheese was rich and tangy, and the whole dish was just so comforting and satisfying. I knew then and there that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen for years to come.

Over the years, I have made Aunt Martha's Macaroni and Cheese Pudding countless times, each time with a sense of pride and nostalgia. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, and they have all fallen in love with it just as I did that first time.

I have also made a few tweaks and additions to the recipe over the years, adding some crispy bacon or fresh herbs for a twist on the classic dish. But no matter how I choose to make it, the memory of that first time still brings a smile to my face.

As I sit here now, writing down this story for my grandchildren to read, I can't help but feel grateful for all the wonderful experiences and memories that cooking has brought into my life. And I hope that one day, they too will discover the joy of cooking and sharing delicious meals with the ones they love.

So here it is, my dear grandchildren – the story of how I learned to make Aunt Martha's famous Macaroni and Cheese Pudding. May it bring you as much joy and satisfaction as it has brought me over the years. And remember, the key to a good meal is not just in the ingredients, but in the love and care you put into making it. Happy cooking!

With love,

Your Grandma