The smoky subtlety of the saffron in this cozy macaroni dish plays well with the spice of the housemade sriracha pasta, neither flavour overpowering the other. Cheesy creaminess offers decadence while sriracha brings the heat and a little acidity.
INGREDIENTS
2 cups Mitchell Block Sriracha Macaroni, dry and uncooked
2 Tbsp minced garlic
1/2 yellow onion, minced
6 Tbsp unsalted butter
1/4 cup all purpose flour
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 cup smoked sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 tsp saffron
1/4 tsp turmeric
1 tsp smoked paprika
salt and pepper to taste
METHOD
- Cook the pasta al dente according to the package instructions. Remove from heat, drain and place in a large bowl.
- Drizzle pasta with olive oil and stir to coat pasta. Set aside while preparing cheese sauce.
- Melt butter in a deep saucepan, Dutch oven or stock pot.
- Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic at medium heat for 5 minutes or until soft and translucent.
- Whisk in flour over medium heat and continue whisking for about 1 minute until bubbly and golden.
- Add the saffron, turmeric and smoked paprika to the pot.
- Gradually whisk in the heavy cream until nice and smooth. Continue whisking until you see bubbles on the surface and then continue cooking and whisking for another 2 minutes.
- Add shredded cheddar cheese and whisk until smooth. Sauce should be nice and thick.
- Stir in the pasta until it is fully coated with the cheese sauce. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve and enjoy!
Yield 2 servings
Pro Tip: Sriracha Macaroni is available from The Mitchell Block or Jones & Company Wine Co.
