Macaroni Bechamel

Macaroni Bechamel Recipe from Oman with Chicken and Spices

Region / culture: Oman | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 35 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Macaroni Bechamel is a delicious and comforting dish that combines layers of cooked macaroni, seasoned ground meat, and a creamy bechamel sauce. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, as it is hearty and satisfying.

History

Macaroni Bechamel is a traditional Middle Eastern dish that has been enjoyed for generations. It is a popular comfort food in countries like Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan, where it is often served at family gatherings and celebrations. The combination of tender macaroni, flavorful meat, and creamy sauce makes this dish a favorite among both children and adults.

Ingredients

1 bag of macaroni (500 g), cooked and drained

Filling

1.5 lb (680 g) of ground meat
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves of garlic
1 8 oz (227 g) can of tomato sauce (or tomato paste)
3 tbsp chopped parsley
1 tsp dried oregano (crushed "zatar" leaves)
0.5 tsp salt
0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
a pinch of cayenne pepper

Bechamel Sauce

3 cups of prepared milk
5 tbsp butter
5 tbsp flour
1 "maggi" chicken bullion cube
black pepper, to taste

How to prepare

In a large skillet, cook the meat, onion, and garlic until the meat is browned and the onion is tender. Drain the fat.
Stir in the tomato sauce, parsley, oregano, salt, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and 0.33 cup of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Set aside.
For the Bechamel Sauce, melt the margarine in a medium saucepan. Stir in the chicken bouillon cube, black pepper, and flour. Add the prepared milk all at once. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly. Cook and stir for one more minute.
Set aside 0.33 of the sauce. Mix the remaining sauce with the cooked macaroni. Spread half of the macaroni mixture into a 9" x 13" baking pan. Spread the meat mixture evenly over it. Spread the rest of the macaroni mixture over the meat. Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the top. Sprinkle with a little additional ground cinnamon.
Bake in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove from the oven and let it sit for five minutes. Then serve.

Variations

You can customize Macaroni Bechamel by adding vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the meat mixture. You can also use different types of meat, such as ground lamb or chicken, for a unique flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the meat until it is browned and the onions are tender to ensure that the flavors are fully developed.

- When making the bechamel sauce, be sure to cook and stir until it is thickened and bubbly to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.

- For a richer flavor, you can add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the bechamel sauce.

- To save time, you can prepare the meat mixture and bechamel sauce ahead of time and assemble the dish when ready to bake.

Serving Suggestions

Macaroni Bechamel can be served with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious Macaroni Bechamel is to cook the meat until it is well browned and the onions are tender. This will ensure that the flavors are fully developed and the dish is flavorful.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have ground meat, you can use ground chicken or turkey as a substitute. You can also use gluten-free flour and pasta for a gluten-free version of this dish.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the meat mixture and bechamel sauce ahead of time and assemble the dish when ready to bake. This is a great time-saving tip for busy weeknights.

Presentation Ideas

You can garnish Macaroni Bechamel with chopped parsley or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color. Serve it in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Macaroni Bechamel pairs well with a crisp white wine or a fruity red wine. You can also serve it with a side of garlic bread or pita bread for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Macaroni Bechamel can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Macaroni Bechamel contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Macaroni Bechamel contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Macaroni Bechamel contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Macaroni Bechamel contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Macaroni Bechamel is a good source of iron, vitamin A, and calcium.

Alergens

Macaroni Bechamel contains wheat, dairy, and soy.

Summary

Macaroni Bechamel is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Macaroni Bechamel. It was handed down to me by my own grandmother, who had learned it from a dear friend many years ago. The recipe was written on a yellowed piece of paper, with faded ink and smudges here and there. As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I could almost smell the savory aroma of the dish cooking in the oven.

My grandmother's friend, Mrs. Thompson, was a master in the kitchen. She had a knack for creating delicious meals out of simple ingredients, and her Macaroni Bechamel was no exception. I remember visiting her home as a young girl and being greeted by the mouthwatering scent of the dish wafting from the oven. Mrs. Thompson would always invite me into the kitchen to watch her work her magic, and I would sit there in awe as she effortlessly whipped up the most delectable meals.

One day, as I sat at Mrs. Thompson's kitchen table, she handed me a piece of paper with the recipe for Macaroni Bechamel written on it. She told me that she wanted me to have the recipe so that I could carry on the tradition of making it for my own family. I was overjoyed at the thought of being able to recreate such a beloved dish in my own kitchen.

As I left Mrs. Thompson's house that day, I tucked the recipe into my apron pocket and vowed to learn how to make it perfectly. I spent hours pouring over the instructions, studying each step carefully and imagining the end result. I couldn't wait to try my hand at making Macaroni Bechamel for the first time.

When I finally gathered all the ingredients and started cooking, I felt a surge of excitement and nervousness. Would my version of the dish live up to Mrs. Thompson's standards? Would it taste as delicious as I remembered? As the dish baked in the oven, filling my kitchen with its tantalizing aroma, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in my accomplishment.

When I finally took the Macaroni Bechamel out of the oven and placed it on the table, my family gathered around eagerly, their mouths watering in anticipation. As we dug into the creamy, cheesy pasta dish, I watched as their faces lit up with delight. The flavors were rich and comforting, just as I remembered from Mrs. Thompson's kitchen.

From that day on, Macaroni Bechamel became a staple in our household. I would make it for special occasions, family gatherings, or simply as a comforting meal on a cold winter's night. Each time I cooked it, I felt a connection to Mrs. Thompson and the culinary tradition she had passed down to me.

Over the years, I have made a few tweaks to the original recipe, adding my own personal touch here and there. I have shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, who have all raved about its deliciousness. And as I watch my own grandchildren sitting around the table, enjoying a heaping plate of Macaroni Bechamel, I can't help but feel a sense of satisfaction and joy.

So here I am, years later, still making Mrs. Thompson's famous Macaroni Bechamel recipe. It has become a cherished tradition in our family, a reminder of the love and connection that food can bring. And as I pass the recipe on to the next generation, I know that it will continue to bring joy and comfort for years to come.