Hariyali Mac and Cheese (Creamy, herbaceous, and spicy!)
I love a classic mac and cheese, but of course I had to put my own Indian spin on it! This one features the flavours of a classic Hariyali Kebab: mint, coriander, garlic, lemon, and spices!
A fresh take on a favourite, I hope you enjoy this one :D
INGREDIENTS
4 cups grated white cheddar
2 cups grated gruyere cheese
3/4 cup fresh coriander, chopped
3/4 cup fresh mint leaves
3/4 cup fresh spinach
2 cloves garlic
2 Thai green chilis (or more to taste)
2 tsp garam masala
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Kosher salt to taste
1 lb elbow pasta
1 tbsp olive oil
½ cup unsalted butter
⅓ cup all purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream (35%)
¾ cups panko breadcrumbs
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
2 tbsp melted unsalted butter
METHOD
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and butter a 9X13 baking dish with butter.
To a large bowl add the grated white cheddar and gruyere, and mix to combine. Set aside.
Add the coriander, mint leaves, spinach, garlic, Thai green chilis, garam masala, and water to a blender. Season with kosher salt to taste and blend until smooth.
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and season it with salt so that it tastes like the sea. Add the elbow pasta, stir and cook according to package instructions 1 minute short of al dente. Drain, transfer to a bowl and add olive oil. Mix to coat.
To a large pot on medium heat add butter. Once melted add flour, and whisk for 2-3 minutes. Slowly stream in whole milk, whisking continuously, followed by the cream. Bring to a simmer and let thicken. Season with kosher salt to taste.
Then add in half of the mixed grated cheese, and mix until well melted. Remove from heat and stir in the hariyali sauce. Then add pasta, and fold into the sauce.
Pour half of the pasta into the prepared baking dish, and scatter the remaining grated cheese over the top. Then top with the remaining pasta, and spread into one even layer.
Mix panko breadcrumbs, parmesan and melted butter in a small bowl. Scatter breadcrumbs evenly over the surface of the pasta.
Bake for 25 minutes or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown. Enjoy!