Pimento Cheese & Chorizo Mac
Try this Pimento Cheese & Chorizo Mac recipe.
Try this Pimento Cheese & Chorizo Mac recipe.
- salt
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- 4 tbsp. butter
- for garnish
- 1 lb. macaroni with lines or other short pasta (such as a corkscrew pasta)
- 1 package (12 to 16 oz.) hot or mild spanish-style c casings removed and meat coarsely crumbled or diced (i like gaspar’s; chorizo is a fully cooked product similar in size and texture to kielbasa and is located in the refrigerated case)
- 3 cloves garlic grated or finely chopped
- about 1/4 tsp. cayenne or hot paprika
- 2 cups shredded sharp yellow cheddar
- 2 cups grated manchego cheese
- 1 jar (about 8 oz.) piquillo peppers in water drained and diced, or 2 jars (4 oz. each) diced pimiento peppers, drained
- thinly sliced scallions cut on an angle, and chopped fresh flat leaf parsley
- for salad: tomatoes spanish onion, romaine, and spanish olives dressed with lemon juice, evoo, and sea salt (for an entrã©e)
- Carbohydrate 10.3865525 g
- Cholesterol 487.80625 mg
- Fat 190.67894625 g
- Fiber 0.006625 g
- Protein 2.53755 g
- Saturated Fat 117.379480625 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (375g)
- Sodium 1309.531 mg
- Sugar 10.3799275 g
- Trans Fat 13.08716125 g
- Calories 1728 calories
Step-by-step
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil, salt the water, and cook the pasta until 1 minute shy of al dente. Drain well.
- Meanwhile, in a skillet, heat the oil over medium-high. Add the chorizo and cook, stirring occasionally, until the fat renders and the meat is light brown, about 2 minutes; drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Arrange a rack in the center of the oven; preheat the broiler.
- In a large sauce pot, melt the butter with the garlic over medium to medium-high heat and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Whisk in the flour. When it bubbles, whisk in the milk; season with salt and the cayenne. Whisk until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 3 minutes.
- In a large bowl, mix the cheeses. Add 3 cups of the cheese mixture to the sauce, 1 cup at a time, stirring until melted and smooth between additions. Remove from heat and stir in the piquillo peppers.
- Mix the pasta and chorizo into the cheese sauce and pour into a 1 1/2- to 2-quart baking dish. Top with the remaining cheese mixture; broil until browned and bubbly, 3 to 5 minutes. Top with the scallions and parsley. For an entree, serve with the salad.
A Traveler's Delight: Pimento Cheese & Chorizo Mac
The aroma alone is enough to transport you – a rich, cheesy, slightly spicy symphony that dances on the air. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a culinary journey, one I stumbled upon during my recent travels through Spain. I've always been a bit of a foodie, and my trips often involve seeking out local delicacies and trying my hand at recreating them. This particular recipe, Pimento Cheese & Chorizo Mac, is a testament to that spirit of culinary adventure. The vibrant flavors and textures were a complete surprise, a delightful contrast to the more traditional Spanish fare I'd been enjoying.
Imagine this: the sun dipping below the horizon, casting long shadows across the cobblestone streets of a charming Spanish town. The air is thick with the scent of roasting peppers and sizzling chorizo. In a cozy little restaurant, tucked away on a side street, I discovered this dish. The creamy, cheesy sauce, punctuated by the spicy kick of chorizo and the sweetness of piquillo peppers, was simply irresistible. I immediately knew I had to try and recreate it, and I spent the next few days tracking down ingredients and refining my technique.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It's a dish that comes together quickly, making it perfect for a weeknight meal. Yet, the flavors are anything but simple. The sharp cheddar and Manchego cheeses create a complex tapestry of taste, complemented beautifully by the smoky chorizo and the subtle sweetness of the peppers. The macaroni provides a hearty base, absorbing the creamy sauce perfectly. The process of making it – from the simple act of boiling the pasta to the satisfying sizzle of the chorizo in the pan, to the final bubbling and browning under the broiler – is deeply satisfying.
Beyond the incredible taste, this dish embodies a certain spirit of adventure. It's a dish that embraces unexpected combinations, a testament to the joy of culinary experimentation. It’s a dish that’s perfect for sharing, sparking conversation and creating memories. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe is accessible and rewarding. The results are guaranteed to impress, leaving you with a feeling of accomplishment and a plate of truly delicious food.
One of the things I love about this dish is its versatility. You can easily adjust the spice level to your preference – add more or less cayenne, depending on your taste. And the garnish options are endless: fresh herbs, toasted breadcrumbs, or even a sprinkle of extra cheese. I often serve it alongside a simple salad of Spanish olives, tomatoes, and onions, dressed with a light lemon vinaigrette. This adds a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the mac and cheese, creating a perfectly balanced meal.
This Pimento Cheese & Chorizo Mac is more than just a recipe; it’s a story, a taste of my travels, and a reminder that the best culinary experiences often come from unexpected places. It’s a dish that I continue to make, tweaking it slightly each time, adapting it to my mood and the ingredients on hand. And every time I make it, I'm transported back to that cozy Spanish restaurant, the sun setting, the air filled with the delicious aroma of this unforgettable dish. So, gather your ingredients, put on some music, and prepare to embark on a culinary journey of your own. You won't be disappointed.
The creamy texture of the cheese sauce is simply divine. It coats every strand of pasta perfectly, creating a rich and satisfying experience with each bite. The chorizo adds a lovely smoky flavor and a pleasant textural contrast. The piquillo peppers contribute a touch of sweetness and a hint of acidity, balancing the richness of the cheese and the spice of the chorizo. It’s a harmony of flavors and textures that works exceptionally well. The addition of the scallions and parsley provides a refreshing final touch, adding a pop of freshness to an otherwise decadent dish. It's the perfect combination of comfort food and exciting flavors.
Making this dish is a truly enjoyable process. It’s not just about following a set of instructions; it’s about creating something delicious and sharing it with those you love. The act of cooking itself can be therapeutic, and this recipe is no exception. From the simple task of boiling the pasta to the satisfying sizzle of the chorizo in the pan, every step is a small act of creation. And the final result? A bowl of pure culinary bliss, a perfect blend of comfort and adventure.
So, if you're looking for a recipe that will transport your taste buds to another place, look no further. This Pimento Cheese & Chorizo Mac is a must-try. It's a dish that will impress your guests and leave you feeling satisfied and inspired. It's more than just a meal; it's an experience. A journey for your palate.
