Que Pasta Mexican Mac and Cheese
posted by Maria
A tasty Mexican Mac and Cheese
Ingredients:
4 poblano peppers
Salt
1 pound farfalle (bow-tie pasta) or whole-wheat penne
1 tablespoon EVOO – Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, grated or finely chopped
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup chicken stock
2 cups milk
Freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons (half a palmful) ground cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons (half a palmful) ground coriander
2 1/2 cups grated Mexican cheese blend or mix of cheddar and queso fresco
1 firm avocado, diced
Juice of 1 lime
2 small vine-ripe tomatoes, seeded and chopped
4 scallions, green and white parts, chopped
Directions:
Heat the broiler to high and blacken the poblanos on all sides, 12-15 minutes. Place the peppers in a bowl and cover tight with plastic wrap or place in a paper sack; cool for 10 minutes, then peel, seed and chop.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil for pasta. Add salt and the pasta and cook al dente.
Heat a saucepot over medium heat; add the EVOO, onions, and garlic and cook until tender, 6-7 minutes. Add the butter to the pan and when it melts, stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Whisk in the stock and milk and bring to a simmer. Season with salt, pepper, the cumin, and the coriander and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the cheese with a wooden spoon in a figure-eight pattern until the cheese melts.
Drain the pasta and toss with the sauce and the chopped poblano peppers. Toss the avocado with the lime juice. Serve the mac-n-cheese in shallow bowls and top with the tomatoes, avocados and scallions.