Macaroni and cheese with ham and carrot purée

  • Preparation 40 min
  • Cooking 1 h
  • Servings 6
  • Freezing Absolutely

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Ingredients

  • 2 cups carrots (3 medium), sliced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 454g macaroni
  • Olive oil
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp. butter, cut into small cubes
  • 1 tsp. paprika
  • 1 tsp. Italian spices

Ingredients for the cheesy sauce

  • 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 leek (1 1/2 cups), finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/3 cup flour
  • 3 1/2 cups milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian spices
  • 1 1/2 cups (about 150g) grated Gruyere cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups (about 150g) grated sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup (about 100g) grated mozzarella cheese
  • 2 cups cooked mechoui ham, finely chopped

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Preparation

  • Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • In a pot of boiling salted water, cook carrots for about 15 minutes or until very tender. Drain and pour into a large bowl. Add chicken broth and purée. Set aside.
  • In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta 1 minute less than al dente according to package directions. Pour into a colander, rinse with cold water to stop cooking and drain well. Drizzle with 2 tbsp. olive oil and toss to coat. Set aside.
  • In a bowl, add panko, butter, paprika, Italian spices and salt and pepper. Mix well and break up the butter with your fingers. Set aside.
  • In a large saucepan heated over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil and add the garlic and leek. Cook and stir for 3 to 4 minutes to soften.
  • Add butter and melt. Add flour, mix to form a dough and continue cooking for 1 minute, stirring.
  • Pour in 1 cup of milk and whisk away lumps. Pour in remaining milk followed by mustard powder, dried parsley and Italian spices. Season with salt and pepper and mix.
  • Cook for 4 to 5 minutes to thicken slightly, to about the consistency of 35% cream. Remove from heat and add cheese, ham and carrot puree. Stir for 2 minutes to melt the cheese. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if necessary. Add macaroni and mix.
  • Pour into a large 9 ” x 13″ baking dish and spread. Spread panko mixture on top, place in oven and bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving!