Russian Harvest Mac ‘n’ Cheese Casserole

Sure, let’s dive into the delightful world of Russian-style Macaroni Casserole!

Russian Style Macaroni Casserole

🕒 Cook Time: 1 hour
🕒 Prep Time: 30 minutes
🕒 Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

🍽 Servings: 6

Description:

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Russian-style macaroni and cheese, elevated with a hearty mix of vegetables for added texture, flavor, and nutrients. This fusion dish combines the classic appeal of mac and cheese with the wholesome goodness of fresh vegetables, creating a symphony of flavors that’s perfect for any occasion. You can even customize it further by incorporating chopped cauliflower, broccoli, or carrots to suit your preferences or to add a dash of variety to your mealtime repertoire.

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons margarine
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
• 2 cups sliced mushrooms
• 1 cup shredded green cabbage
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon caraway seeds
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
• 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
• 1 1/3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Freshly ground pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

3. Cook Macaroni: Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until barely tender. Once cooked, rinse the macaroni under cold water, drain, and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.

4. Saute Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until they turn translucent and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic, sliced mushrooms, shredded cabbage, salt, and caraway seeds. Reduce the heat to medium, cover the skillet, and let the vegetables cook until the cabbage becomes tender, which usually takes about 7-10 minutes.

5. Combine Ingredients: Once the vegetables are tender, combine the cooked vegetable mixture and fresh spinach with the cooked macaroni in the large mixing bowl.

6. Add Cheese and Seasonings: Stir in the cottage cheese, chopped fresh dill, dried dill, and freshly ground pepper, along with 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Ensure that all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

7. Assemble Casserole: Spread the macaroni and vegetable mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/3 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top.

8. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese on top has melted to a golden perfection.

9. Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot and enjoy the delightful flavors of this Russian-inspired macaroni casserole!

This hearty dish is perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or as a comforting meal to share with family and friends. With its wholesome blend of vegetables, cheese, and macaroni, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. So, gather your ingredients and let’s embark on a culinary journey to Russia with this delectable macaroni casserole!