Macaroni with Cheese and Pumpkin

 Ingredients: For the sauce: 60 g butter, 750 ml milk, 35 g white wheat flour + 1 tablespoon flour, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne or chili pepper, a pinch of nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 cup pumpkin puree, 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste, 500 g grated cheddar, 250 g grated gouda, 500 g whole wheat macaroni, 2 tablespoons mixed grated cheese (optional), 3 tablespoons breadcrumbs (optional)

To prepare a delicious cheese and pumpkin pasta, start by crumbling the cheese using a food processor, but you can also grate it if you prefer. It is important to have the cheese well crumbled to melt evenly in the sauce. In a pot, put water and add 1/2 teaspoon of salt, then bring it to a boil. Once the water has reached boiling point, add the pasta and boil it for two minutes less than the time indicated on the package. This step is essential for achieving a perfect texture, as the pasta will continue to cook in the sauce.

Meanwhile, in another saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat. It is important not to let it boil, just to warm it up. In a separate saucepan, over low heat, melt the butter and add the flour, stirring continuously with a whisk for a maximum of one minute. This mixture will form a roux, which will help thicken the sauce. After the flour is well incorporated into the butter, gradually add the warm milk, continuing to stir to avoid lumps.

When the mixture becomes smooth, add the mustard, nutmeg, thyme, salt, and a pinch of cayenne for extra flavor. Continue to stir until the sauce thickens, being careful not to let it boil too much. Once the sauce has reached the desired consistency, add the pumpkin puree, mixing well. When the puree is well incorporated and the sauce is hot, turn off the heat and add the crumbled cheese. Stir until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes rich and creamy.

After the pasta has boiled, drain it well and add it to the saucepan with the sauce. Mix everything carefully so that the pasta is completely coated with the delicious sauce. If you want to turn it into a gratin dish, transfer the pasta to a heatproof glass dish, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top, and the two tablespoons of mixed cheese. Preheat the oven to 190°C (gas mark 5) and leave the dish in the oven for 6-10 minutes until the surface becomes golden and crispy.

Serve immediately to enjoy all the intense flavors and creamy texture of this dish. Enjoy your meal!

 Tags:  milk unt pepper flour cheese macaroni pumpkin vegetarian recipes