Macaroni with Saffron Cheese Sauce
- Fanny Khan
- Jan 21, 2022
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 8, 2023
Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups of macaroni
water for cooking macaroni
1 1/2 cups milk
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
2 to 3 garlic cloves, grated or minced
1/4 tsp saffron threads
1 1/2 cups shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup frozen sweet peas or broccoli florets, optional
salt and pepper to taste
sliced green onion or chopped parsley for garnish, optional
In a 6-quart stock pot or Dutch oven, fill to two-thirds with water. Bring water to a boil.
Add macaroni and let return to boil. Cook according to package directions. (From 6 to 8 minutes). If using sweet peas or broccoli, add to the pasta 1 to 2 minutes before the pasta is done. Drain pasta and return to the pot.
While pasta is cooking, heat a small pot on medium-low heat and add butter. Once butter is melted, add garlic and cook for a few seconds.
Add flour, reduce heat to low, and whisk until flour is fully incorporated. Cook, stirring for 2 minutes.
Slowly add milk to the pot, increase heat to medium-low, and whisk to ensure there are no lumps. Keep stirring until it starts to thicken.
Crush saffron and add to the milk, stirring to incorporate. Season with salt and pepper.
Remove from heat and stir in 1 1/4 cups cheese, reserving the remaining 1/4 cup for serving.
Pour the sauce over pasta. Taste and add more salt and pepper if necessary.
Serve with the remaining cheese sprinkled on top of the macaroni.
Garnish with sliced green onion or with finely chopped parsley, if desire.
Yields: 4 servings
Notes&Tips:
Creamy, rich and delicious comfort food with the added flavor of saffron - who could ask for more? The addition of saffron takes this Mac & Cheese to the next level. Why eat just regular Mac & Cheese when you can eat Macaroni with Saffron Cheese Sauce?
As I always like to add vegetables in a dish that doesn't usually have it, I did that here and it didn't take away anything from the tastiness of the very flavorful dish.
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