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Masala Mac N' Cheese

An Indian-American fusion dish perfect for thanksgiving

Ingredients

bechamel cheese sauce

  • 3 Tbsp butter
  • 3 Tbsp flour
  • 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese (grated) (1 block)
  • 2 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Masala

  • 4-5 tbsp butter and/or oil
  • 2 small onions
  • 1/2 bell pepper
  • 1-2 jalapenos or serrano chilies
  • 3 large tomatoes (pureed)
  • 3/4 lb ground beef OR 1 lb of mushrooms (vegetarian version)
  • 1.5 tsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 2 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 2 tsp coriander
  • 1 1/2 - 2 tsp salt or to taste

Assembly

  • 1 lb pasta noodles (cavatappi or macaroni etc)
  • 4 oz sharp cheddar cheese (grated)
  • 5-6 butter crackers such as Ritz may substitute with bread crumbs
  • 1 tsp masala spice mix of your choice optional

Instructions

  1. Start by prepping your ingredients for the masala. Dice your onions, bell pepper, chilies, and mushrooms (if you are using them instead of ground beef). Puree your tomatoes in a blender or food processor. Set aside. 

  2. In a large and wide pan, melt your butter on medium high-heat. You may also use oil.

  3. Now add in your ground beef. Break up with a wooden spoon and allow it to turn brown. If you are using mushrooms instead, allow them to cook down and shrink.

  4. Now add in your onions, bell pepper, chilies. Cook down until onions are translucent and vegetables begin to caramelize. 

  5. Add in your salt, spices, and ginger-garlic paste. Cook and stir for about a minute or two. 

  6. Add in your pureed tomatoes. Cook down the mixture until about half of the liquid is gone. The masala shouldn't be too dry nor should it be too thin like soup. Somewhere in the middle is just right. Taste and adjust for seasonings.

Bechamel Cheese Sauce

  1. Start off by making your roux. In a small pot, melt your butter on medium-high heat. Add in your flour. Stir with a whisk. Make sure there are no lumps. The roux will start to thicken and turn brown. 

  2. Now stir in your milk. Mix well. Then add in your cheese. Allow it to melt while you stir frequently. The cheese sauce should be a little thick yet smooth in texture. 

Assembly

  1. Set your oven to 400 F. 

  2. Boil your pasta in salted water (al dente) according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

  3. Combine all three elements - pasta, masala, and cheese sauce. 

  4. In a oiled or buttered casserole dish, add your pasta mixture. Now top the mixture with the remaining grated cheese. Sprinkle some extra spices such as a good quality channa masala blend on top if you'd like. Crush up your crackers and add to the top. 

  5. Bake in the oven until cheese is melted and top layer is golden brown. Your Masala Mac N' Cheese is ready to serve!