Green Chile Macaroni Recipe
Overview
🌶️ Description: This Green Chile Macaroni is a spicy and flavorful adult version of macaroni and cheese, inspired by Chef Robert McGrath of the Roaring Fork restaurant in Scottsdale, Arizona. It’s a dish that promises to be worth every calorie!
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Recipe Category: Cheese
- Keywords: Southwestern U.S., Less than 60 Minutes, Stove Top
- Servings: 2
- Calories per serving: 790.6
- Aggregated Rating: 4.5 stars
- Review Count: 4
Ingredients
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1/4 red onion
- 1/4 garlic clove
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1/2 cup macaroni
- 2 poblano chiles
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack pepper cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt (to taste)
- Cracked black pepper (to taste)
Nutritional Information per Serving
- Calories: 790.6
- Total Fat: 34.9g
- Saturated Fat: 19.8g
- Cholesterol: 106.7mg
- Sodium: 184.8mg
- Carbohydrates: 96.9g
- Fiber: 5.7g
- Sugars: 5.7g
- Protein: 24.4g
Recipe Instructions
- Heat oil in a heavy pan over moderately high heat.
- Saute the red bell pepper, red onion, garlic, and corn kernels until tender.
- Add the macaroni, pureed poblano chiles, shredded Monterey Jack pepper cheese, and heavy cream to the pan.
- Stir frequently until the cheese is melted and the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Season to taste with kosher salt and cracked black pepper.
Detailed Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by gathering and preparing all the ingredients: red bell pepper, red onion, garlic, corn kernels, macaroni, poblano chiles, Monterey Jack pepper cheese, heavy cream, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper.
Step 2: Saute the Vegetables
- Heat oil in a heavy pan over moderately high heat.
- Add diced red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, minced garlic, and corn kernels to the pan.
- Saute the vegetables until they are tender and fragrant. This step helps to build a flavorful base for the macaroni dish.
Step 3: Cook the Macaroni
- While the vegetables are cooking, prepare the macaroni according to package instructions in a separate pot. Cook until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Step 4: Prepare the Poblano Puree
- Roast the poblano chiles over an open flame or under a broiler until the skin is charred and blistered.
- Place the roasted poblanos in a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let them steam for 10 minutes. This steaming process will help loosen the skin.
- Peel off the charred skin, remove the seeds and stems, and then puree the poblanos in a blender or food processor until smooth.
Step 5: Combine and Simmer
- Once the vegetables are tender, add the cooked macaroni to the pan.
- Pour in the poblano puree, shredded Monterey Jack pepper cheese, and heavy cream.
- Stir everything together gently until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. This usually takes a few minutes over medium heat.
- Adjust the seasoning with kosher salt and cracked black pepper according to your taste preference.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the pan from heat and serve the Green Chile Macaroni hot.
- Optionally, garnish with chopped cilantro or additional shredded cheese for extra flavor and presentation.
Tips for Success
- Poblano Preparation: Ensure the poblano chiles are fully roasted and peeled to achieve a smooth puree that blends seamlessly into the dish.
- Cheese Melt: Stir the macaroni frequently after adding the cheese and cream to ensure the cheese melts evenly and creates a creamy texture throughout.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish before serving and adjust the amount of salt and pepper to suit your personal preference for seasoning.
Serving Suggestions
This Green Chile Macaroni pairs well with a side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette or served alongside grilled chicken or steak for a complete meal. Enjoy its spicy kick and creamy texture as a comforting dinner option that celebrates Southwestern flavors!
This recipe captures the essence of Southwestern cuisine with its bold flavors and creamy texture, making it a standout dish for cheese lovers and anyone craving a bit of spice in their macaroni and cheese experience.